THE INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation has given Manny Pacquiao up to Jan. 16 to decide whether to remain as IBF superbantamweight champion or campaign for the big money in the heavier featherweight division.
According to a report by BoxingTalk’s Greg Leon, the IBF, based in East Orange, New Jersey, has ordered Pacquiao to enter into a purse bid with mandatory challenger Jose Luis Valbuena who, like Marco Antonio Barrera, is promoted by Oscar De la Hoya.
The report also added that should Pacquiao fail to enter into a purse bid and choose to fight another opponent, the IBF will strip him of his title while Valbuena will be forced to fight for the vacant throne against No. 2 Israel Vasquez, a constant Pacquiao sparmate at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles.
