BRAGGING that he is now a stronger and more powerful fighter than he was two years ago, International Boxing Federation No.8 featherweight contender Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym of Thailand openly declared his fervent desire for a rematch with the universally recognized people?s featherweight king Manny ?The Destroyer? Pacquiao.
Rakkiatgym expressed his intent to challenge anew his former tormentor from the Philippines after squeezing through a hard-earned unanimous decision win against North Korean Wang Jong Hyon over 12 heats to retain his IBF Pan-Pacific 126 pounds crown the other day in Thusong, Thailand.
?I proved with this win I can defeat any featherweight in the world and that includes Manny Pacquiao. He did defeat me when I challenged for the title in year 2002, but I am a much stronger boxer in 2004,? a super confident Rakkiatgym told Ray Wheatley of Fightnews.com.
Rakkiatgym was the same fighter whom Pacquiao brutally dismantled in just one round during their October 26, 2002 encounter at the heavily-guarded Rizal Memorial College gym in Davao City.
Pacquiao needed only two minutes and 46 seconds to send Rakkiatgym into the dreamland and retain for the second time the title he won by dethroning the previously unbeaten South African Lehlohonolo Ledwaba via sixth round KO on June 23, 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Rakkiatgym, the mandatory challenger at that time, was knocked down four times by Pacquiao and was rushed to the hospital on stretcher after spending more than 20 minutes on the canvas.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao will start his rigid training today at the famed Wildcard Gym in Hollywood, California under the watchful eyes of 2003 Trainer of the Year awardee Freddie Roach.
Also set to train at the famous sweat shop located along the busy Vine and Sta. Monica boulevard are Pacquiao?s younger brother, reigning RP super featherweight titlist Bobby, and Cebuano super flyweight prodigy Z Gorres of Cebu?s prominent ALA Boxing Club of businessman-sportsman Antonio ?Bidoy? L. Aldeguer.
Pacquiao?s business manager Rod Nazario is expected to meet anytime soon American promoter Murad Muhammad of the New Jersey-based M and M Sports to firm up the General Santos City-native?s next fight.
Muhammad and Nazario were actually set to meet the other day in Florida to discuss three fight options and prospects, but their meeting did not push through due to indecisive weather.
Mannypacquiao.ph reported that Muhammad said that in any event, Nazario and he will just keep in touch with each other by phone.
?I would like to withhold that information yet (initial negotiations with three prospects). In this industry, when they hear something going on, they will try to rock the boat,? said Muhammad, who saw his first three options go up in smoke.
Nothing is definite yet as of the moment with regards to Pacquiao?s next ring assignment as the top three Mexican hotshots in Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez are obviously avoiding the Filipino ring star.
