SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — Manny Pacquiao should be a little more careful than he was the last time he fought an unheralded foe when he climbs the ring against Mexican Jorge Solis for their World Boxing Council International super featherweight tussle at the Alamodome here.
“Solis is a very good boxer, one of the best in the division” said Top Rank promoter Bob Arum Monday night. “He’s the kind of guy who, if he gets the chance, would push forward.
“If he hurts Manny, he’s going for the kill.”
Arum pointed out the disparity between Solis and the lightly regarded Mexican, Oscar Larios, who gave Pacquiao a third-round scare in their Manila bout at the Araneta Coliseum in July 5, 2005 before losing via a 12-round decision.
Larios had the Filipino ring idol buckled against the ropes via a vicious barrage, but did not step up his attack, allowing Pacquiao to pile up the points in the later rounds.
According to Arum, Pacquiao’s popularity has jacked up ticket sales for the “Blaze of Glory” card, selling over $1 million with still five days to go before the fight.
Thus far, it has surpassed the $800,000 ticket sales posted when Pacquiao beat Marco Antonio Barrera here in Nov. 15, 2003. And the lower priced tickets ($50, $35) are still expected to be gobbled up in the last two days.
Arum stressed he does not care how long the Pacquiao-Solis tiff would last, as long as the fans get their money’s worth.
“Whether the fight goes the distance (12 rounds), 10 or three rounds doesn’t matter,” said Arum Monday night (Tuesday in Manila).
