Manny Pacquiao has decided to keep his team intact and says he will continue to have Murad Muhammad as his US promoter and Freddie Roach as trainer despite the differences that arose between them following his Nov. 15 annihilation of legendary featherweight Marco Antonio Barrera.
In an interview with Manila Standard, Pacquiao disclosed he would retain Murad, whose contract expires in January 2005. This is despite rumors that he planned to junk the promoter who gave him his first big break in the US when he fought Lelohonolo Ledwaba for the WBC junior featherweight title in June 2001.
Pacquiao also indicated that the problems had been resolved and his team was intact and stronger than ever. Pacquiao, who is scheduled to fly to New York with business manager Rod Nazario on Feb. 20, said they expect to meet with Muhammad and top HBO Sports officials, led by Kerry Davis to finalize details of a scheduled May 22 title fight against WBA/IBF featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez.
