Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain yesterday said concerns raised against a possible mismatch in Manny Pacquiao?s upcoming clash with fellow ring great Oscar de la Hoya were legitimate, but reiterated there is no need to suspend, or withdraw the Filipino boxing icon?s license as earlier suggested by some lawmakers.
The GAB, however, is keeping watch on developments of the much-awaited fight set Dec. 6 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
In fact, Buhain has sent Team Pacquiao a second letter this week and asked to be updated on Pacquiao?s preparations in the US where he?s training under Freddie Roach.
But while many have raised alarm and claimed Pacquiao is at the losing end, Buhain said that based on the initial report from Team Pacquiao, the World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion is in top condition for what he described as ?the fight of (his) life.?
?Freddie Roach is keeping Team Pacquiao on its toes, and Manny has employed the best doctors, nutritionists and trainers there are in boxing. The GAB Board?s consensus remains that there is no need to suspend, or withdraw, Manny?s license as earlier suggested by some lawmakers when we met with them in Congress,? Buhain said.
?But some issues raised by Cong. Rufus Rodriguez and some of our congressmen were legitimate. We understand that they only want to protect a national treasure ? a hero ? like Manny. That?s also among our concerns that is why we keep tab on developments in his training. But we are not giving Manny any extra baggage to think about when there is no need for it, really,? Buhain added.
According to Buhain, the GAB will be the first to raise an alarm and talk Pacquiao out of the match if there would be risks in his health. Buhain also clarified that although Pacquiao is fighting as a lightweight at 135 pounds, with some 20-lb discrepancy from de la Hoya?s natural weight of 155 lbs for middleweights, the two boxers will fight at the catch-weight of 147 lbs, which Team Pacquiao said is an ideal weight for the clash.
Some lawmakers, however, have expressed concerns over the possible mismatch and claimed this might set a precedent for other uneven matches in the future.
Buhain, however, said the GAB stops fights when it sees a boxer is unprepared for the match.
?In this case, nobody would question Manny?s preparations. Disiplinado siyang boxer, at hindi nagpapabaya ang team na humahawak sa career niya. Ganun pa man, hindi inaalis ng GAB ang pagmamatyag sa mga posibleng mangyari kaya lagi ring nakabantay sa developments ang Board namin para sa laban na ito. We also want Manny?s safety, first and foremost,? Buhain said.
