If boxing buffs were disgruntled when Top Rank shot caller Bob Arum announced that the unheard of Jorge Solis would be the one to challenge Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao on April 14, they should save themselves the same let down this upcoming fall and start scouting possible Pacquiao foe Humberto Soto. Promoted by Top Rank and televised on Versus Network, Humberto Soto (40-5-2, 24 KOs) faces a human hurdle in Humberto Toledo (30-2-2-, 18 KOs).
We all know that while it may not be said publicly by Arum, or the brain trust at Golden Boy Promotions, neither company will be doing business with each other anytime soon. Unfortunately for fans, Golden Boy handles the best would be Pacquiao (promoted by Top Rank) rivals: Dominican Joan Guzman, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Marco Antonio Barrera.
Enter Humberto, Soto, that is.
Earlier in the year, Soto and manager Antonio Lozada, went straight to the office of WBC big daddy Jose Sulaiman to politic for a shot at the WBC strap. Soto is the number two ranked super featherweight within the council and felt as if he should get a shot at Barrera, once the purse bid for champ Barrera and number one contender Pacquiao was cancelled.
“I want an opportunity at the big fighters, “said Soto, “Barrera, Marquez, or Pacquiao.
“I know if I can beat Toledo, I will be in an excellent position for a fight with Pacquiao. That is all I want, a shot. I want to show the world what I am made of and make some good money along the way.”
And his opportunity would be well deserved.
Before Rocky Juarez was defeated in back to back episodes by Barrera, Soto had already diminished Juarez’s star by a clear decision victory in August, 2005. Yet, did Soto get the crack at Barrera?
No
That is the way boxing works, it is not what you do, or who you do, it is who you know, how many asses you can put in the seats, and who your promoter is not feuding with at the moment.
Yet, if Top Rank wins the legal battle for the rights to promote Manny Pacquiao, and the Filipino does not abandon boxing to be a mayor, congressman, or some other politico, Soto can set himself up nicely for a fall fling with the Pacman.
Bob Arum had previously informed Boxing Confidential scribe Michael Marley that Pacquiao would fight on April 14, and then follow up with a fall bout, and a late year affair. Pacquiao and Soto are both Top Rank promotional properties, and hey, a Filipino against a Mexican always makes dollars and sense.
Thursday night is must see television on the Versus network for followers of the Manny soap opera. The fights will be televised starting at 9 PM EST/6 PM PST, with the televised co-main event pitting heavyweight Joe Mesi (33-0, 26 KOs) against George Limberger (29-8-1, 25 KOs).
Tickets are still available for the event, being held at the Mountaineer Race Track, in Chester, West Virgina. Prices range from $25 to $150 and can be ordered at www.ticketmaster.com
