HE RESPECTS Manny Pacquiao, but don’t expect Hector Velasquez to take a single step back when the two sluggers shoot it out in Los Angeles, California, Saturday evening (Sunday in Manila).
Claiming that his time to shine has come, Velasquez, 30, said he is unfazed by the reputation of the Filipino pound-for-pound boxing icon at yesterday’s final press conference hosted by promoter Bob Arum at the Wilshire Grand Hotel at downtown LA.
“I respect Manny a lot, and I will be fighting him with that respect, but I won’t be taking a single step backwards against Manny,” Velasquez was quoted as saying by Fightnews.com.
Pacquiao was quick to counter.
“I make sure to make you a good fight, to make people happy,” he replied, obviously in the mood to plug his new movie.
Pacquiao and Velasquez duke it out in a 12-round super-featherweight mainer of a stellar card that also features Mexican fight great Erik Morales.
Morales and Pacquiao are being set up for a rematch, following their thrilling first encounter won in March by the Mexican, tentatively set on Jan. 21 in Las Vegas.
Rey Bautista, the Bohol-raised prodigy fighting in the undercard, was also in attendance at yesterday’s press conference and received special mention when he was called to the dais by Arum for a short speech.
Arum introduced the undefeated Bautista to the American media as “the next Pacquiao.”
Bautista, a colorful knockout artist, will be facing Colombia’s Felix Murillo in the undercard.
Another Filipino fighter, Brian Viloria, attempts to snatch the WBC light-flyweight crown off Mexican Eric Ortiz’s head.
“I think it’s the best card we’ve ever put on in Los Angeles, from top to bottom,” declared Arum, who was seconded by Morales.
Morales takes on former Olympian Zahir Raheem in the 12-round co-main event at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Pacquiao, 26, who reported to the Wild Card Boxing Club of trainer Freddie Roach on Aug. 8 after a long lay-off, fights Velasquez backed by one of the shortest preparations in his career.
Velasquez, 30, definitely enjoys an edge in conditioning, he has trained for over two months, but experts believe he would have to survive Pacquiao’s slashing start for a chance at victory in the latter rounds.
Pacquiao, the overwhelming favorite, is 39-3-2 with 30 knockouts.
Velasquez, described as strong and durable, is 42-10-2 with 31 wins inside the distance.
Other bouts pit Vanes Martirosyan versus Gerardo Preito; Urbano Antillon versus Gustavo Tapia, and David Rodela against Hector Leyva.
Official weigh-in has been set today also at the Staples Center.
