WBC Number 2-ranked Humberto Soto and WBC Number 6-rated Bobby Pacquiao of the Philippines will cross paths for the first time when they face the media on May 30, Wednesday (Thursday in Manial) to promote their June 9 battle at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden. The press conference starts at 1:00 PM at Paseo Inn restaurant. According to Ricardo Jimenez, public relations officer of Top Rank, undefeated young prospect Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will join Pacquiao and Soto in the press conference before they leave for New York. The young Chavez will attempt to avenge the defeat suffered by his father the legendary Julio Cesar to Grover Wiley in a ten-round bout. Soto versus Pacquiao, a ten-round battle, stakes the WBC mandatory status with the winner most likely advancing to face WBC super-featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez next. Soto (41-5-2, 25 KO’s), from Tijuana, Mexico, is looking for a win over the younger Pacquiao as his ticket to big-money showdowns possibly against Juan Manuel Marquez or the iconic Manny Pacquiao. Top Rank is currently grooming the talented Soto as a possible future opponent for the Filipino superstar, and has been short-listed as among those with a chance to land a bout with the General Santos lefty. The June 9 event will be headlined by the title showdown featuring Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico defending his WBA welterweight title against former champion Zab Judah of the United States and will be aired live by HBO pay-per-view. Bobby Pacquiao has been looking impressive in training at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood under renowned trainer Freddie Roach.
