FILIPINO ring hero Manny Pacquiao will remain as the world’s No. 1 featherweight despite his loss last Sunday to Erik Morales in their monumental 12-round fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ring Magazine, the world’s leading authority in ranking boxers, is retaining Pacquiao as its best featherweight because he fought Morales in the heavier 130-lb super-featherweight class, according to editor Nigel Collins.
Pacquiao’s continued reign as people’s champion at 126 lb may not be for long, though, as the Filipino warrior has expressed his interest in continuing his quest for recognition in the 130-lb division.
“I like this weight and I’m going to stay at this weight,” Pacquiao told boxing reporters after the classic fight Saturday.
Pacquiao’s decision to remain as a super-featherweight will most likely earn him another crack at Morales, who earlier announced he’s willing to take on anyone lined up for him by his promoter, Top Rank, and manager Fernando Beltran.
Top Rank boss Bob Arum sounded upbeat on the prospect of a Morales-Pacquiao rematch while downplaying suggestions of a fourth showdown between his ward and Barrera.
International boxing insiders say Arum apparently no longer wants to deal with his former ward, Oscar De La Hoya, with whom he has a falling out months ago. De La Hoya promotes Barrera.
“Either way, because of his gallant stand against Morales, Pacquiao’s marketability in high-profile fights has not diminished one bit,” said a source in Las Vegas. “The handlers of both Barrera and Morales are definitely salivating over [prospects of a rematch with] the Filipino boy.”
Meanwhile, Filipino Z “The Dream” Gorres, who made an auspicious debut in Las Vegas with a first-round demolition of Fil-Am Glenn Donaire, is reportedly planning to stay in Los Angeles for several more weeks to continue training.
Tony Aldeguer, through promoter Sammy Gello-ani, said yesterday they haven’t lined up another engagement for Gorres.
