LOS ANGELES — Manny Pacquiao has been to so many wars that the Filipino boxing hero needs some R&R for his next fight that might even be staged in Manila.
This was the sentiment of Pacquiao’s handlers a few days after his annihilation of Mexican idol Erik Morales in Las Vegas.
“I would suggest that Manny fight some kind of a tuneup in his next fight,” said lead trainer Freddie Roach on Tuesday as he was awaiting the arrival of the boxer at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood.
“I was told that HBO is interested to come over to the Philippines and do a fight there,” said Roach, who revealed that Pacquiao’s management team is set to meet with Bob Arum of Top Rank to determine what’s next in line.
It is expected that Pacquiao will step to the ring again in May or June.
Roach said his idea of a tuneup fight is against “Fahsan 3K Battery-types of fighters or somebody who is a little better.”
3K Battery is the Thai fighter with a decent record who Pacquiao knocked out cold in Manila in late-2004.
“I heard Kevin Kelley wants to fight Manny and even Wayne McCullough. Those are good tuneup fights because Manny’s been to a lot of wars and that’s not good for him. He deserves a rest.”
Kelley holds a 57-6-2 win-loss-draw card with 38 knockouts, while McCullough is a durable banger with a 28-6 slate with 18 kayoes. Both, however, are past their prime but remain dangerous.
While Roach is not ruling out the possibility of a rubber match with Morales, the esteemed cornerman fight should take place “in eight months.”
“If Morales wants a third fight, we can fight him,” said Roach, who is even amenable to a meeting between the two rivals in a catch weight of 133 lbs.
Pacquiao, who was applauded by the crowd when he stepped inside the gym shortly after lunchtime, said he is not afraid to lock horns anew with Morales.
However, some jaded observers believe the 29-year-old from Tijuana might call it quits after absorbing his worst defeat of his storied career.
As for Pacquiao, he is looking forward to a rematch with another big-name fighter in the division, perhaps against Marco Antonio Barrera.
“You know what, I don’t believe that he really wants to fight Manny,” said Roach.
Pacquiao had defeated Barrera in Nov. 2003 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Barrera could not be in Pacquiao’s near future schedule since he is booked to challenge Jesus Chavez for the world lightweight crown in late-March in Las Vegas.
Another recognizable name, Juan Manuel Marquez, who battled Pacquiao to 12-round split draw in May 2004, is also scheduled to fight in that month versus Chris John of Indonesia in Borneo.
“Basta’t papilahin mo silang lahat,” said Pacquiao.
