ROD NAZARIO, accused by Manny Pacquiao of conniving with US promoter Murad Muhammad in depriving him of additional income, yesterday lashed out at the famed prizefighter’s remarks and said the boxer’s own estimates of his prize money were greatly exaggerated.
“I saw and heard in the news that I have been accused of getting $8.8 million (about P49.2 million),” said Nazario yesterday. “How could that be? Who do you think he is? Mike Tyson? How can he earn such a big amount? Nagsimula lang naman na siya ay talagang nakilala sa US ay when he won against Marco Antonio Barrera in late 2003.”
“There’s no truth to that. Walang pera na ganyang kalaki sa bank account ko,” said Nazario.
Pacquiao had alleged that the money, earned from his fights in the US, were deposited to Nazario’s account in the country through the efforts of Muhammad, who became the boxer’s promoter when he made his debut there in mid-2001.
“I have documents in my possession bearing his (Pacquiao) signature that will prove that this is not true.”
Pacquiao is still in Los Angeles and should be back in Manila this weekend or early next week carrying with him boxes of documents proving Muhammad’s alleged guilt.
Efforts to get in touch with Pacquiao failed as only a voice message answered a call made by this reporter, who left a message asking to be called back.
Nazario is conferring with topnotch lawyer Siegfrid Fortun about the statements made by Pacquiao on TV and in print. Nazario said there’s a possibility that he will try to haul the country’s most popular sports hero today to court.
Pacquiao alleges that Nazario and Muhammad pocketed an enormous amount of money from all of his fights done in the US without his knowledge.
Pacquiao is now being handled by Shelly Finkel with Los Angeles-based lawyers Keith Davidson and Nicholas Khan also playing a part in the management of the Gensan southpaw’s career.
Pacquiao hasn’t fought since losing to Erik Morales in a classic slugfest at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on March 19.
A September 10 fight possibly at The Staples Center in Los Angeles is being lined up for him against a foe yet to be determined.
