The horses, I mean junior lightweights, have left the Pacquaio Paddock and are ambling to the starting gate. Manny Pacquaio, adviser Michael Koncz, trainer Freddie Roach and promoter Bob Arum are having a conference here in New York Saturday before the Miguel Cotto-Zab Judah fight at the Garden to discuss who will be selected as Megamanny’s October 6 opponent.
Herewith is Marley’s Morning Line on their respective chances:
MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA: He is Selection one, two and three for trainer Roach but problem is MAB told Golden Boy, who he owes only more fight, that he wanted something easy for his next bout and that he wanted it to take place in Mexico. If that’s the case, don’t expect GBP to push for him to get Pacman either. ODDS: 40-1.
HUMBERTO SOTO: Handler Nacho Huizar just told me “it’s a done deal” that the rugged Mexicano will face Pacman providing Soto whips Manny’s less talented brother, Bobby Pacquaio. If the “Sniper” scores a huge upset, scratch Soto from the Pacman Derby. Factor in ‘Berto’s favor is Manny’s history with Mexican foes and the easier selling of PPV to huge Mexican and Mexican-American markets as opposed to limited Dominican audience which follows Joan Guzman. Added plus for Soto is that I’m sure Uncle Bob would prefer a total, in the Top Rank House promotion where he’s got the paper on both guys (just in case Soto wins). ODDS: 7-5.
EDWIN VALERO: Unbeaten Venezuelan bomber has perfect style. He would walk straight into Pacman bombs and get stretched. His defense is unique. He has none. Licensing problems in US might cause problems in Vancouver where investors don’t really care who Pacman’s opponent is. Also may bad mojo for publicity due to motorcycle accident brain injury which precludes Valero from fighting in US. On the other hand, no such licensing problems expected if they fight in Macau. Biggest negative is that only hardcore fight nuts know about off the general radar Valero. ODDS: 15-1.
JOAN GUZMAN: Manager Jose Nunez has done everything to make this happen except walk through Times Square with a billboard sign on his chest. Lead promoter Sycuan is on board and so is Arum archenemy and Guzman co-promoter Golden Boy. Roach and Koncz think Guzman’s slick style presents serious problems for Manny. Manny himself figures he can beat all these guys. I hope Guzman trainer Floyd Mayweather holds off on scribbling poem about Manny until after bout agreement is signed…if it is. ODDS: 3-1.
ALEX ARTHUR: Now there’s a longshot for you and from Scotland, to boot. Promoter Frank Warren probably doesn’t even know his young horse is in the Pacquaio Pack. Pacman camp knows little about Arthur and he would mean zero in North America. This is a name Roach tossed into the mix. I don’t think Manny will look across the ring October 6 and see a tartan plaid clad warrior glowering back at him. Not to mention the fact that the talented Arthur might get “kilt” by Manny. ODDS: 75-1.
Final tip: I bet Professor Arum reveals the October 6 Pacman Debry “winner” in the post fight press conference and not a minute sooner.
