FILIPINO ICON & OSCAR LARIOS MEET MANO Y MANO!
Manila, Philippines-Last Friday promoters held the first press conference to officially announce Manny Pacquiao’s return home to the Philippines for a July 2nd fight with former champion Oscar Larios. Both Pacquiao and Larios hosted the event held inside a packed television studio, complete with dancers and a special ring built just for the afternoon. Larios brought along his manager and trainer, while the co-manager Nick Kahn and trainer Freddie Roach accompanied Pacquiao.
130 LB. BATTLE TO OCCUR IN HEAVYWEIGHT VENUE
Not too long ago, Larios and Pacquiao were the two best jr. featherweights in the world. Pacquiao moved on to the featherweight division, while Larios stayed and established his dominance at 122 lb. Even as early as 2001, after Pacquiao’s rough draw with Agapito Sanchez who defeated Larios, boxing fans wanted to see this match. Now, five years removed and eight pounds heavier, they meet in what should be a memorable night for those in attendance at the 32,000 seat Araneta Coliseum, the venue of the “Thrilla’ in Manila,” AKA the rubber match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
LARIOS FINALLY GETS HIS SHOT!
A veteran of 61 fights Larios, 56-4-1 (36 KO’s), has fought and won in Japan where he will set up training camp. Larios’ team made it clear during the press conference that Oscar has been waiting for a big fight his entire career. Larios explained, “Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales did not want to fight me. I’m happy that Pacquiao chose me!” Looking for a big fight since winning the WBC 122 lb. title in impressive fashion against Willie Jorrin in 2002, Larios became one of the most dominant champions at the time, defending the green belt eight times. After signing a promotional deal with Golden Boy Promotions, it looked like Larios would finally get the mega fight he was dreaming of. However, arch-nemesis, Israel Vasquez ruined his plans, causing a nasty cut on Larios’ eye, which stopped their third fight. Odd isn’t it? It took a surprising loss for Larios to get the big fight he so desperately wanted.
FOR PACQUIAO, IT’S JUST BUSINESS AS USUAL
Manny Pacquiao, 41-3-2 (33 KO’s), was his usual smiling, relaxed self, answering the same question posed to him before every fight he’s had. Pacquiao will train in Los Angeles for about four weeks before finishing his camp off in the Philippines. During the conference, Pacquiao said, “I’d to thank everyone for coming, and I’m excited that my countrymen will get to see me live.” Trainer Freddie Roach made it clear that they “would not take Larios lightly” and that Manny would need to be in the same condition he was in for Morales to defeat Larios.
REASON WHY LARIOS SPENT A LIFETIME AT 122?
When asked to make a predication, Larios promised a great fight, while his manager predicted the upset of the year. They claim that Larios, about two inches taller than Pacquiao, is way too big for 122 lbs. and will be even stronger at 130. Pacquiao eats just to weigh in 130. Larios fans will expect their fighter to be faster and punch harder now that the Mexican will not be struggling to make weight. However, there is a reason why Larios stayed at 122 so long-he doesn’t take a punch very well. A huge super bantamweight, Larios often faced smaller, lighter punching fighters, where his size and activity were too much for them. Larios is the bigger man, but his “smaller” opponent Mannny Pacquiao packs a tremendous punch!
BOBBY PACQUIAO INKS MULTI-FIGHT TOP RANK DEAL!
Manny’s brother Bobby Pacquiao has signed a nine-fight deal with Top Rank promotions. His first fight with Bob Arum’s company will be against Kevin Kelley in New York City, June 10th. Clearly, the promotional “Cold War” between Arum and Golden Boy Promotions is heating up. Top Rank signed its first marquee Filipino fighter just weeks after Golden Boy grabbed top Filipino prospect Rey Bautista and Z Gorres. Many people felt that since Golden Boy signed some Filipinos to contracts, it might lure Manny Pacquiao to Golden Boy, who also promotes Barrera. Now Top Rank fires back with Manny’s brother, and they still have an option on Pacquiao, who is set for a September rubber match against Morales.
