Manny Pacquiao, idle for four months now since his controversial split draw decision with Juan Manuel Marquez, might indeed settle for Oscar Larios late this year in a bid to stay in shape in time for his keenly-awaited rematch with the reigning IBF and WBA featherweight champion.
Murad Muhammad, Pacquiao?s US-based promoter, told Boxingtalk.com that he and Bob Arum, who handles Marquez, had already came to terms for the rematch to take place in February.
“Bob Arum and I have agreed to terms for the rematch to take place early next year; probably the second week of February,” said Muhammad.
This came after Marquez defeated Orlando Salido by unanimous decision to retain his IBF/WBA crowns in the main undercard of the Hopkins-De La Hoya bout in Las Vegas over the weekend.
Marquez won, 118-110, 117-111, (twice) and also outlanded Salido 164 punches to 105 according to Punchstat. Marquez boxed conservatively, content to counterpunch over most of the 12 rounds and fighting toe-to-toe only when Salido forced him to.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, said he was far from being impressed on how Marquez subdued Salido.
“Marquez wasn?t impressive. If Marquez fought like that (against Salido), he?s gonna go down again against me,” said Pacquiao, who was among the VIPs at ringside who watched the Hopkins-De La Hoya fight.
The Filipino southpaw knocked Marquez down three times in the first round of their fight but failed to finish off his Mexican opponent.
“I hope Juan Manuel doesn?t have any excuses this time and agrees to fight me so we could settle our score, once and for all,” added Pacquiao.
Pacquiao, who arrived in Las Vegas Friday, was easily recognized by most fight fans and many have asked for his autograph and even posed for photo souvenirs.
Marco Antonio Barrera?s right-hand man, Roberto Diaz and Barrera?s brother Jorge also met with Pacquiao and talked with him about a possible rematch.
Marquez, now 42-2-1 and rated No. 2 at 126 pounds by Boxingtalk, fought a thrilling but controversial draw with Pacquiao, the generally-recognized world champion, last May. Salido, rated No. 8 by Boxingtalk at 130 pounds, dropped 20-9-1.
Muhammad added that Pacquiao could not have another megabuck fight late this year since cable giant HBO could no longer accommodate the Filipino ring star.
“HBO had no fight date available this year for Pacquiao even though he has a deal with the sports network,” said Muhammad.
Muhammad said that to keep his ward in shape, he will try to arrange a non-title fight for Pacquiao in Manila against an unbeaten Thai warrior or a championship showdown with WBA title-holder Chris John of Indonesia.
