GENERAL SANTOS ? Manny Pacquiao will call the shots as to where, when and who he is going to fight next and said that at the moment, none of them has been decided.
Pacquiao?s comments came after he was named “World Boxer of the Year” by the World Boxing Association ” for his scintillating performance not only against De La Hoya but against two other champions as well, according to insidesports.ph.
WBC president Jose Sulaiman said the Board of Governors unanimously approved Pacquiao?s choice as 2008?s finest fighter.
Before polishing off the Golden Boy, Pacquiao had also captured the WBC super-featherweight title by split decision over Juan Manuel Marquez in March and had annexed the WBC lightweight diadem by flattening David Diaz of the United States in late-June.
Told about Top Rank head Bob Arum?s plans to pair him with British Ricky Hatton on May 2 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Pacquiao was reluctant to say on Wednesday if he is ready to return to the ring on that date.
“Five months?” said Pacquiao, who apparently felt that it was too soon following his just finished bout against Oscar de la Hoya.
Pacquiao was in Malungon town in neighboring Sarangani province early today to attend a wedding.
“I haven?t actually met with Bob Arum and we haven?t discussed that yet,” Pacquiao said.
Arum told reporters Tuesday that he will propose to Pacquiao that he face Hatton next. He did not mention a possible fight with another marquee name, the now-retired Floyd Mayweather, since the boxer has yet to announce that he is considering a comeback.
“Manny?s on top of the heap right now,” said Arum, acknowledging the Filipino?s stature as the face of boxing.
Arum is already here to join in the celebration of Pacquiao?s 30th birthday that was slated to take place at the KCC Mall Convention Center later Wednesday with no less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano and key government officials and personalities from entertainment expected to attend.
The flow of traffic has been affected by the turnout of bigwigs from Manila as jams were reported in many parts of the city, especially the streets leading to the party?s venue.
As early as 12 noon, there were already people waiting outside the venue many of whom were there to see celebrities who will attend.
A total of 1,500 invitations were given by Pacquiao but the number is expected to dramatically increase as the residents of the city are likely to crash into the party to be part of the birthday celebration of their hometown hero.
“Binulabog ni Manny ang buong GenSan lalo na tinalo pa niya si De La Hoya,” said businessman Dodge Manubay.
