World featherweight king Manny Pacquiao, seething on his inactivity despite being crowned by the prestigious Ring Magazine as the world’s finest 126-pounder, yesterday spewed venom and warned Thai foe Fahsan (3K Battery) Por Thawatchai that he will unleash all his fury when they clash in the mainer of the December 11 card in an open-air arena at The Fort in Taguig.
The bout is scheduled for twelve rounds and reports have it that it may serve as an eliminator for the International Boxing Federation featherweight title since Fahsan is also highly-ranked by the organization.
Pacquiao (38-2-2, 30 KO’s), appearing opposite Fahsan in yesterday’s special press conference at the Pier One of The Fort organized by promoter Murad Muhammad, emphasized that due to his rather long lay-off, he wants no less than a beatdown when they clash on December 11.
“Gusto ko nga ngayon ko na upakan eh, kung di lang ako tinigil ni Mayor Freddie Tinga,” Pacquiao said, rather tongue-in-cheek, as quoted by Games and Amusements Board OIC Emmanuel Palabrica, who was invited by Muhammad to speak in behalf of the government agency.
Fahsan (44-7-1, 23 KO’s), who flew in just to attend the press conference, came in with manager Jimmy Chaichotchuang, who also managed Pacquiao’s past foe Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym, whom the General Santos lefty demolished in one round two years ago.
When asked of his physical conditioning going into his final bout before his much-anticipated rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez on February 26, Pacquiao said: “I’ve been doing road works and been going to the gym. Even if I have a long lay off, I’m not worried because I’ve maintained a generally disciplined lifestyle.”
Both Pacquiao and Fahsan tipped the beam at 130 lbs yesterday during mock weigh-in held for the press. They are contracted to fight under the 126-lb featherweight limit.
Promoter Murad Muhammad, appearing relaxed owing to the commitment made by Solar Sports, Smart Communications, and Mayor Freddie Tinga to support the event, also thanked the GAB for allowing the official weigh-in of the bout to be held at The Fort, instead of the usual GAB office in Makati City.
Seeing action in the Pacquiao-Fahsan undercard is Philippine super-featherweight champ Bobby Pacquiao, who will defend his title against Cebuano phenom Dexter “Dinamita” Delada, a protege of kingmaker Wakee Salud.
Z “The Dream” Gorres, handled by lawyer Rudy Salud and Cebu sportsman Tony Aldeguer, is also penciled in to see action in the undercard.
