TWO POUNDS OF RAGE IN THE PHILIPPINES
There seems to be quite a buzz in the Philippines over reports that national hero Manny Pacquiao’s September rubber match with Erik Morales will be fought at 132 pounds. The belief among Manny’s fans is that Pacquiao’s handlers have given an advantage to Morales by agreeing to the catch weight and that Pacquiao didn’t have to surrender the two pounds in negotiations.
It seems like only yesterday that Pac’s team of Shelly Finkel, Gary Shaw and Freddie Roach was hailed as heroic in the aftermath of the 10th-round KO victory over Morales.
I personally doubted that Shaw and Finkel would have negotiated a clause for their fighter that they thought would provide and edge for the opponent. Does it make any sense for them to do so? No. But you’ve got to respect the concern of Pacquiao’s fans — the most loyal boxing fans on the planet.
Lee Samuels, spokesman for TOP RANK informed TigerBoxing that the fight is a “go” for September 16th and that the weight is being discussed.
But fear not, Filipino people. Shaw has told TigerBoxing that there is no agreement for a contract at 132 pounds.
By the way, Pac’s fans would rather Marco Antonio Barrera get a second shot at their guy before Morales gets his third, according to a poll on Manny’s personal website. Sixty-three percent of respondents want the Barrera rematch while only 8.5% want to see Morales again.
