Manny Pacquiao isn’t taking Hector Velazquez lightly and considers his Sept. 10 bout against the Mexican veteran a critical fight because a rematch with Erik Morales hangs in the balance.
Pacquiao’s assistant Joseph Ramos told The STAR in an e-mail the other day there are three reasons why the Filipino three-time world champion must beat Velazquez at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
“First, this is his first fight in the US without former promoter Murad Muhammad,” said Ramos who lives in Los Angeles. “Second, he has a score to settle with Morales and that won’t happen without a victory against Velazquez. And third, L. A. is Manny’s home in the US and he would like nothing better than to provide his fans in the area a spectacular show.”
Ramos said Pacquiao realizes he’s up against a dangerous opponent who’s hungry for recognition.
“Velazquez is a very durable opponent,” continued Ramos. “He is on a hot streak right now, the best of his career. He utilizes his jab effectively and has good power.”
Velazquez has won his last five fights, four by knockout, and hasn’t been stopped in eight years. He has knocked out 74 percent of his 42 victims.
Ramos disclosed that trainer Freddie Roach will be using tactics that Pacquiao unraveled in halting Marco Antonio Barrera two years ago. However, he declined to elaborate.
“Manny and Fred have implemented some of the training they used for the Barrera fight for Velazquez,” noted Ramos. “Manny is not overly concerned with winning convincingly. His No. 1 priority is to win and No. 2 is to make the fans happy.”
Ramos said Roach, like Pacquiao, has a lot of respect for Velazquez. “He thinks he is a tough fighter who never gives up,” added Ramos.
Ramos said losing isn’t an option for Pacquiao.
“I agree that if Velazquez beats Manny, he will vault to the top of the 130-pound division,” said Ramos. “Look at what happened last week when (underdog) Humberto Soto beat (previously undefeated) Rocky Juarez (for the interim World Boxing Council featherweight title). But that’s the last thing on our mind. We have to think positive and make sure that does not happen.”
For his part, Velazquez, 30, said he’s not intimidated by Pacquiao’s reputation.
“Pacquiao is a strong fighter and has demonstrated winning big fights,” said Velazquez. “I’m a real fighter and I have a chance to beat him. My dream is to still be a world champion.”
Promoter Bob Arum said he is anticipating a sellout at the Staples Center for the card billed “Double Trouble.” The show features Pacquiao versus Velazquez and Morales versus Zahir Raheem in a pair of 12-rounders. If Pacquiao and Morales win, they’ll face each other in a grudge rematch early next year.
Two Filipinos are seeing action in the undercard. Brian Viloria will take on Eric Ortiz for the World Boxing Council lightflyweight crown and Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista faces Felix Murillo of Colombia.
Solar Sports will air the fights on local TV.
“This will be the best all-around boxing card ever here in Los Angeles,” said Arum. “The prices of the card are affordable. They appeal to the ordinary boxing fan here in Los Angeles. You will not see tickets for $1,000. Fans who love boxing can purchase tickets as low as $25. Over half the tickets are $50 and less. This card is great for the public.”
Tickets are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25.
Only six fights are on the show with the first bell set to ring at 4:30 p.m. (US time).
Postscript. Here’s a text from reader Herman Jugo: “Your column on Manny (last Tuesday) worried me when you wrote that he reported for serious training for Velazquez only last Aug. 8. Rudy Salud is right about Pacman’s training for this fight. I pray and hope that Manny weathers this storm for the hurricane early next year. Salud is very right referring to the past Marquez fight against Manny. Mabuhay, Pilipinas.”
