The World Boxing Council has approved a voluntary defense of 130 pound champion Marco Antonio Barrera against Juan Manuel Marquez on March 17 in Las Vegas. The WBC has approved Manny Pacquaio to defend his WBC International belt against Injin Chi or another opponent in Macau, China. Bob Arum is planning the Pacman bout at Steve Wynn’s Macau property for April 28.
Although some in boxing thought Arum would aim for Pacman to challenge lightly-regarded IBF champ Malcolm Klassen, the South African’s promoter, veteran Rodney Berman told Boxingconfidential that he has received no phone call from Top Rank regarding Pacman.
Berman explained that Klassen will next face mandatory challenger and countryman Mzonke Fana. Fana is the IBF top challenger with veteran Manuel Medina of Mexico ranked second and Filipino idol Pacquaio sitting as the #3 contender.
If Barrera gets by Marquez, he must face Pacquiao next. A free negotiation period will begin one day after their respective fights. If no agreement is reached, a purse bid will be held 21 days later. At that time, regardless of whether the fighters are still embroiled in legal entanglements or not, if Pacquiao does not accept the fight, he will lose his mandatory challenger status. If Barrera doesn’t accept, his WBC title will be declared vacant.
