Humber Soto would seem to be a logical opponent for Manny Pacquiao later this year. Soto, a fine fighter who has been looking for an opportunity to shine, and Pacquiao are both promoted by Top Rank and if Pacquiao wins on Saturday, I am sure the Filipino will fight again.
Well, there is always the possibility of retirement into Filipino politics…
Anyhow, when Manny wins this Saturday, there is my prediction loyal reader, he will need another opponent in a few months…enter Humberto Soto. While Joan Guzman, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez may be more enticing names for Pacquiao than Soto, they are ALL promoted by Golden Boy.
If you have been completely out of boxing for the last six months, Top Rank and Golden Boy are in a promotional tussle that truly deserves being called The Boxing Cold War. With Top Rank unlikely to kiss and make up with Golden Boy anytime soon, Soto might be within a few months away from a shot of Pacquiao.
Soto’s Manager Antonio Lozada informed Boxing Confidential on Monday that Soto will be ringside for Pacquiao’s fight against Jorge Solis on Saturday and stationed a few feet away from the action as a Spanish language color commentator.
“Top Rank invited Soto down to be a commentator on Saturday night, “said Lozada. “Humberto was honored by the opportunity and decided to give it a go.
Talk about advanced scouting! To make matters even more interesting, Soto is all set to take on Manny’s less talented younger brother Bobby Pacquiao on June 6 on the undercard of Miguel Cotto vs. Zab Judah.
Imagine if Soto jumps in the ring on Saturday night and challenges Manny in the post fight interview and press conference and then goes on to annihilating little bro’ Pacquiao in June. While Pacquiao vs. Solis lacked very little interpersonal drama or story, Pacquiao vs. Soto could have a lot more UMPH to the promotion.
