FILIPINO boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao has stated that all his oomph and enthusiasm are entirely focused for his upcoming 12-round WBC International super featherweight title fight against Mexican slugger Oscar Larios Sunday morning (Manila time) at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines.
Since arriving from his training camp at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, the 27-year-old Pacquiao (41-3-2, 33 KO?s) refused to discuss any detail about his planned third fight with Mexican warrior Erik Morales this November.
?I?m only thinking of Larios at the moment. He?s the current obstacle so I have to dispose him off first.? said Pacquiao in an interview with Fightnews.
Both protagonists of the promotion dubbed ?Mano a Mano? easily made the weight with Pacquiao coming in at 129.5 and Larios at 129.
In expressing self-assurance, the 29-year-old Larios (56-4-1, 36 KO?s) said he is willing to give Pacquiao a rematch.
?I?m in the best condition of my career and I know I can beat him,? declared Larios.
Pacquiao?s trainer Freddie Roach believes Larios will opt to move out of harm?s way in the early goings, hoping that Pacquiao will eventually tire out.
But Roach quickly added that Pacquiao?s swift style will make the Filipino fighter to draw level and eventually ensnare and knock Larios out within six rounds.
Stakes are high on undercard
Adding fuel to an already fiery battle between Mexico and Philippines are four other encounters involving boxers from both nations.
Former World Boxing Council superflyweight champion Gerry Penalosa battles Tomas Rojas (22-8, 14 KO?s) in a 10-round non-title fight.
The 33-year-old Penalosa (49-5-2, 33 KO?s) is targeting one major fight against anyone among Mexican top dogs Jorge Arce and Rafael Marquez and Australia-based Vic Darchinyan.
Marquez is the current IBF bantamweight king while Arce (WBC iterim flyweight ruler) and Darchinyan (IBF 112 champion) are set to invade the superflyweight division soon.
WBO Asia-Pacific superfeatherweight champion Czar Amonsot (16-1-1, 10 KO?s), coming off a 10-round victory over Puerto Rican Jose Reyes last May in his US debut in Las Vegas, battles Silverio Ortiz (17-9, 7 KO?s) in another 10-round bout.
Former Oriental champion Jimrex Jaca hopes to get another fight in the US should he beat Hector Marquez in their 10-round skirmish.
Also, Philippine bantamweight champion Michael Domingo, in replacing an ailing Rey ?Boom Boom? Bautista, hopes to create a stir when he battles former world title challenger Alejandro Montiel.
