Pacman is in again.
No, not the outdated computer game. The new sensation in boxing is featherweight Manny Pacquiao (pronounced Pack-ee-ow). After punishing the once-invincible Marco Antonio Barrera in San Antonio on Nov. 15, the Filipino fighter is about to live the rags-to-riches fairy tale.
He is already a national hero, welcomed home Monday at the presidential palace in Manila, Philippines, and courted by hundreds of political and commercial suitors. In this country, promoter Bob Arum and cable giant HBO are working on big-money propositions for future bouts.
Pacquiao will give up the IBF super bantamweight title to take on more lucrative challengers at 126 pounds. Through trainer Freddie Roach, Pacquiao said he was willing to give Barrera a rematch even if he has to go to his native Mexico. Now that’s confidence.
