FILIPINO BOXING superstar Manny Pacquiao, has given us an idea that more than magic, prayers will do wonders for his illustrious career.
This as Pacquiao joined avid supporter Rudy Salud, the former commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), in praying of the rosary held at the Wildcard Gym in Sucat, Para?aque, hours before the boxer departed for the US. He was joined by younger brother Bobby, Salud?s able assistant George Alcantara, superflyweight bet Z Gorres, business manager Rod Nazario, associates Moy Lainez and journalists Ronnie Nathanielsz and Nick Giongco of the Bulletin.
Salud said that leading the prayer was his modest way of showing his support for Pacquiao, undeniably the country?s top athlete, and for all boxers wanting to be like the well-known GenSan bomber.
Nazario, Gorres and the Pacquiao siblings left for the United States last night where the three boxers plan to hone their skills under the watchful eyes of American trainer Freddie Roach.
Nazario will meet with their American promoter Murad Muhammad to at least firm up matters regarding Pacquiao?s next bout.
“Murad called up this morning and he told me HBO is giving us three options. Unfortunately our conversation was cut short so probably when we arrive in the US, I can clear these things with Murad,” disclosed Nazario in an interview which will be played at 5p.m. today over DZSR 918 kHz.
Murad once boasted that he has done several magics as promoter that propelled Pacquiao to where he is right now.
In the meantime, the 27-year-old Pacquiao vowed to get in shape at the soonest possible time and make himself ready for any fight that may be arranged at the spur-of-the-moment.
“Pagdating ko dun, ensayo agad ako at maghahanda para kung sakaling may biglaang laban, ready ako,” disclosed Pacquiao.
Pacquiao said he leaves it all up to his handlers when it comes to arranging the date, venue and his next opponent.
“Kahit sino naman OK lang na makalaban ko. Basta ang kailangan lang maging handa ako anytime na sabihan ako na may laban,” added Pacquiao.
Meanwhile, Nazario could still not hide his repugnance of Top Rank?s big boss, promoter Boy Arum, for meddling in their initial plans.
Nazario surmised that Arum played decoy when he offered American promoter Murad Muhammad a more enticing match between WBC 130-lb champion Erik Morales and Pacquiao.
“Naisahan dito si Murad, Noong una OK na yung laban ni Manny kay (Marco Antonio) Barrera, bigla lang pumasok si Arum,” revealed Nazario.
In another development, the 27-year-old Morales belied claims of a third fight between him and Barrera.
In an interview with Mexican writer Ernesto Castellanos the other day, Morales said that he still has to meet Arum middle of this month and discuss their next move.
Morales however said that though he could fight Barrera next, he has not disregarded the possibility of facing another challenger on the 27th of November.
