MURAD MUHAMMAD, the American promoter of Manny Pacquiao, declared yesterday that only the official contract is lacking for him to make a formal announcement concerning Pacquiao?s nontitle fight against Fahsan 3K Battery of Thailand on Dec. 11 in Manila.
“We have talked with men of status of this country and we are just waiting for the contract,” said Muhammad from his suite at Edsa Shangri-La in Mandaluyong.
Muhammad has been in the country since Oct. 16 and denied that he?s getting impatient with the extended negotiations which have been going on the last few days.
“I have to be patient because patience is a virtue,” said Muhammad.
Pacquiao?s business manager Rod Nazario has requested to keep silent about the matter until everything is signed, sealed and delivered.
Muhammad said Pacquiao is going to receive a good amount of money for the clash with the Thai, who has victimized more than 20 Filipino punchers in a career which began in 1992. But he did not say how much.
Earlier, he said Pacquiao was being guaranteed $500,000 (about R28 million), but in recent talks, the actual amount of the purse had been conveniently ignored leading many to believe that the reason no contract has been signed is that Pacquiao was unhappy with the new offer.
But Murad sidestepped the matter and instead talked about the bout ? in the event that it pushes through.
“This Thai is tough and is going to be a test for Manny,” said Muhammad.
Pacquiao and 3K Battery, who sports a 44-7 win-loss card with 23 knockouts, have actually met on top of the ring.
In August 2002, Pacquiao and 3K Battery traveled to Guam to fight a three-round exhibition.
Muhammad also confirmed that Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez are scheduled to meet for the second time on Feb. 26 in Las Vegas.
“If Manny gets past Marquez, then Erik Morales is going to be next,” added the New Jersey-based Muhammad.
Pacquiao hasn?t fought since being held to a 12-round split draw by Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden on May 8.
After being almost blown away by Pacquiao, Marquez returned to active duty on Sept. 18 underneath the world middleweight blockbuster duel between Bernard Hopkins and Oscar dela Hoya.
Marquez went 12 rounds with Orlando Salido.
After being knocked out in a national 9-Ball tournament on Monday, Pacquiao headed back to General Santos City on Tuesday morning. Pacquiao said he felt good about his chances against Gandy Valle, but a 30-minute delay after he went up 3-0, affected his groove.
