Still licking the wounds of his failed political bid, boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao yesterday said there’s no need to hurry in choosing his next opponent in the ring.
“Huwag natin madaliin (Let’s not rush things),” said Pacquiao who was given by his promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, a free hand to choose his next opponent.
Arum has lined up four possible opponents in Joan Guzman of Venezuela, Edwin Valero of the Dominican Republic, and Mexicans Marco Antonio Barrera and Humberto Soto.
The reigning World Boxing Council super-featherweight champion, Juan Manuel Marquez, is down the list although boxing experts believe that it could be the biggest fight of the year.
Top Rank is in a legal tussle with Golden Boy, which has ties with Guzman, Valero, Barrea and Marquez, making it difficult to pit any of these boxers against Pacquiao. Soto is with Top Rank.
“Basta, lalaban ako sa September. Madami naman puwedeng kalaban. Lahat sila gusto ako labanan (I will fight in September. There are many possible opponents. They all want to face me),” said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao, who lost in his bid for a congressional seat in the May 14 elections, said even a fight with Marquez, with whom he drew in November of 2004, is possible.
“Hindi malabo yan. Depende lahat sa negosasyon ‘yan (It’s not impossible. It all depends on the negotiations,” added Pacquiao, adding that he might decide in the next few weeks.
Pacquiao is scheduled to go to the US on May 28 to receive his 2006 Boxer of the Year award from the Boxing Writers Association of America on June 8 and watch his brother fight Soto on June 9 in New York.
“Baka doon makapag-decide na (Maybe I can decide there). Pero pag-uusapan pa kasi lahat (We have to talk it over),” added Pacquiao who last fought April 14, and won over Mexico’s Jorge Solis.
