TWO BOXING figures who could be the most influential in the career of Manny Pacquiao in years to come ? American Shell Finkel and Filipino Rod Nazario ? are going to meet today in Los Angeles.
Finkel, recently signed up as the new manager of Pacquiao, and Nazario, who has been the fighter?s business manager since 1995, are expected to discuss the details of the contract that Pacquiao signed with Finkel two weeks ago after the four?year contract of Marty Elorde expired.
Murad Muhamad, Pacquiao?s US promoter, also a key figure in Pacquiao?s boxing life, won?t be around to attend the much-awaited meeting, according to a confidante of the New Jersey-based boxing figure.
This will be the first time that Nazario and Finkel are going to meet. Finkel also manages Mike Tyson and several other high-profile boxers.
Upon signing the contract, Finkel talked with Nazario and told him that he is excited to work side by side with Nazario, who opted to see the document in Los Angeles.
Even Pacquiao assured Nazario, who has also acted as his guardian, that he would remain in the team.
Nazario arrived in Los Angeles Sunday evening (Monday morning in Manila) after almost 16 hours of travel. Nazario originated from Bangkok and was in Manila for only three hours.
Pacquiao fetched Nazario at LAX Airport.
Pacquiao, who faces Erik Morales of Mexico on March 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, is in the thick of preparations for the scheduled 12?rounder that will be shown on HBO Pay-Per-View at $44.95 (about R2,472).
Pacquiao has been installed a slight favorite in the slambang card being staged by Morales?s promoter Bob Arum (Top Rank) and Muhamad (M&M Sports).
Tickets to the 15,000-seat Grand Garden Arena are priced at from a high of $400 to a low of $75.
This is going to be the first time that a Filipino boxer is going to be featured as a main eventer in a pay-per-view bout.
