Despite the suspension order issued by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) following his stunning knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico, Manny Pacquiao is poised to return to the ring in April against an opponent yet to be named. This was disclosed by Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum, who told mb.com.ph that Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz has indicated Pacquiao’s desire to fight in April.
But a few days after Pacquiao’s loss to Marquez, Arum said, April 20 is out as the date of Pacquiao?s next fight. ?I don?t think so (April fight). First of all, it?s too soon because he?s suspended for 120 days and 90 days no contact. So I don?t want to rush,? he said.
Now Arum seems to be supporting Pacquiao’s plan to fight in April, saying that while NSAC “prevents the Filipino star from fighting within the 120-day period, the ban would have been lifted the third week of April.”
?It didn’t say that he can?t train,? Arum told mb.com.ph, noting that Pacquiao can commence sparring a month before the fight. If indeed it is true that Pacquiao has decided to return to the ring in April following his devastating knockout loss against Marquez, Team Pacquiao may have to clarify the suspension order earlier issued by NSAC prohibiting the Filipino boxing star from engaging in boxing and related activities for 120 days. NSAC handed the automatic suspension to allow Pacquiao to recover from the devastating knockout and to undergo more brain check and general medical examination.
The 120-day NSAC suspension also prohibits Pacquaio from engaging in boxing-related exercises for 90 days. Arum said, the Filipino boxer will undergo a series of tests at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health to find out the extent of damage, if any, on the brain of Pacquiao. ?I have to take him to the Cleveland Clinic in Las Vegas, the brain center, which is a brain specialist,? said Arum (via Philtar.com). ?We?re going to do an extensive brain examination before we commit him to a fight.?
But can Pacquiao actually engage in boxing-related activities outside Nevada or the US without violating the suspension order? Sought for comment on Pacquiao’s suspension, NSAC Chief Executive Officer, Keith Kaizer told Philboxing.com: ?Mr. Pacquiao is suspended from competition for 90 days, and from sparring for 60 days,?
?Thereafter he would need to reapply, as it will be a new calendar year, and submit the normal licensing medicals,? Kizer added of the commission?s requirements for Pacquiao?s re-licensing.
If Pacquiao follows to the 90-day suspension from competition, then he is free to compete by March 10, 2013, assuming the NSAC order took effect last March 9 or the day after his loss to Marquez.
Clearly, Pacquiao can fight on April 20 without violating the suspension order. But he needs to train for his April 20 fight and since the order prohibits him from engaging in boxing-related activities, he will have limited time to train and engage in sparring sessions.
Another hurdle is the renewal of his Nevada boxing license. Pacquiao needs to reapply and submit new set of medical test results for consideration by the NSAC. It seems there is a little window for NSAC to act on Pacquiao’s application for license because of time constraints.
Returning to the ring will be much easier for Pacquiao if he fights outside the US where the ban is not in effect.
Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/340537#ixzz2HcAlb9mT
