FILIPINO boxing hero Manny Pacquiao has given up the International Boxing Federation (IBF) superbantamweight title so he can work on a megabuck fight against unified world featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico.
American Murad Muhammad of M & M Sports, Pacquiao’s promoter in the United States, confirmed in a statement sent to various boxing websites Friday that Pacquiao was relinquishing the world crown in the 122 pounds division he wrested from African Lehlo Ledwaba on June 23, 2001.
“The IBF has been good to me and I would like to thank them for their support. I was a proud IBF champion,” the statement quoted Pacquiao as saying. The statement was also sent to IBF president Marian Muhammad in New Jersey.
