Bobby Pacquiao is being considered as probable opponent of Mexico’s Marco Antonio Barrera as substitute to reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight champion Jesus “Matador” Chavez during Oscar de la Hoya’s boxing card on March 25 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
De la Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions, told Mexico’s most respected sports newspaper Organizacion Editorial Mexicana of his intention to tap either Pacquiao, younger brother of Manny, or WBA lightweight king Juan Diaz to fight Barrera.
“For now they are possibilities, but we will still be able to confirm who is going to fight Barrera,” said de la Hoya.
The Chavez-Barrera title bout has been postponed after Chavez suffered a torn muscle in his left bicep that required surgery, during his training last week. It will take him about six months to recuperate, according to Chavez’s manager Lou Mesorano.
If Pacquiao agrees, the bout will be set for a nontitle fight over 10 rounds and it will give Barrera a chance to avenge his shameful 11th round TKO loss to Manny in November 2003.
De la Hoya stated that they are constantly talking to all parties, hoping to give Barrera a chance to see action in the main event of his card at the MGM Grand after coming off in rigid regimen for his anticipated attempt to capture his fourth world title in different divisions.
But Pacquiao’s Filipino manager, Rex “Wakee” Salud, hasn’t received any communication yet from de la Hoya.
In an interview yesterday, the Cebu City-based manager said what they are expecting is a rematch against former IBF super featherweight king Carlos “El Famoso” Hernandez of West Covina, California, sometime in April.
