If the plans to pit Manny Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera fall into place, expect the two ring gladiators to figure in what will be the richest junior lightweight showdown in the history of professional boxing.
This was the general consensus gathered by boxing pundits following Barrera?s monumental victory over arch-rival Erik Morales last Sunday in their epic third encounter, where the Mexico City native eked out a hard-earned but well-deserved majority decision following their 12-round classic at the MGM Grand.
But before that can happen, both Barrera and Pacquiao have yet to hurdle rivals who have already been lined up for them in the near future. And expect these rivals to do everything humanly possible to derail the mammoth rematch.
For Pacquiao, the road starts on December 11 when he takes on Thai toughie Fahsan 3K Battery in a 12-round battle in Taguig. The Thai, who is known as the ?Destroyer of Filipinos,? had announced that he will spring an earth-shaking surprise in this once-in-a-lifetime chance to battle the world?s most feared featherweight.
Should the Filipino ring hero hurdle the ambitious Thai, he has yet to deal with WBA/IBF featherweight king Juan Manuel Marquez, with whom he earned a draw in their first encounter. Pacquiao will have to first ?take the monkey off his back,? and clean out the featherweight division before jumping in weight to meet Barrera.
The Mexican hero Barrera, who is Freddie Roach?s personal choice as Pacquiao?s next foe after Fahsan 3K Battery, might next be slated to defend his WBC title against Jesus Chavez or mandatory challenger Mzonke Fana, who beat Filipino Randy Suico via controversial fashion to earn the mandatory status.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Friday as he tapers off in his war preparations for the December 11 showdown with Fahsan. Pacquiao will be accompanied to Manila by American trainer Freddie Roach, personal trainers Buboy Fernandez and Nonoy Neri, as well as brother Bobby who will defend his RP super-featherweight title against Cebu phenom Dexter ?Dinamita? Delada.
