Valero next for Pacquiao?
by Scott Christ on Jun 30, 2008 3:03 PM EDT
Email
Print
Source: ABS-CBN News
From Ronnie Nathanielsz:
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum hopes to finalize the first title defense of newly-crowned World Boxing Council lightweight champion and Filipino national treasure Manny Pacquiao against undefeated KO artist Edwin Valero in a meeting in Las Vegas.
In an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports, Arum said that he was “pretty close to making a deal with (Akihiko) Honda”, the well-known Japanese businessman-sportsman who handles Valero, adding “hopefully I will be able to finalize it tomorrow (Monday in the US)”
Very interesting. Very, very interesting.
As expected, this indicates that Valero will join Pacquiao, Marquez, and Guzman at 135, and it also indicates that Arum and Pacquiao are not fooling around and looking for easy fights -- although to be truthful, I think Valero is a pretty easy mark for Pacquiao.
Valero has never fought anyone nearly as good, fast, or strong as Pacquiao. He just hasn't. Pacquiao has faced guys that can punch before, but I think the chances of him getting hit enough by Valero are pretty slim. Edwin's footwork and hand speed just aren't good enough for Manny's class.
It's not like Edwin is one-shotting guys anymore. Mosquera took him 10, Honmo went eight, Shimada just went seven.
But still, it's a great fight to make. Valero is a walking myth, a powerhouse fighter who has knocked out everyone put in front of him. And Manny is Manny.
Arum says he hopes to stage the fight in Vegas, which will require Valero being licensed in Nevada. Currently, he can only fight in Texas or internationally. I don't see what would be so bad about holding it in Houston or something, but hey. Sometimes it's nice to see a big fight somewhere other than Vegas, if you ask me, but I know the promoters make the most money out there.
6 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Edwin Valero
24-1 after Pacman. Sorry! It’s true.
I doubt it be held outside of Vagas that is if Valero is alowed in the States. But who knows, whom ever drops the biggest bag for the fight the promotors will choose. Look at Cotto-Margarito. The Garden had to back out after the drop by MGM Grand.
I aways tell the truth. Even when I lie.
Also, why the heck is the GI Joe in that picture? haha
I aways tell the truth. Even when I lie.
by CRAZEDANG1280 on Jun 30, 2008 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah I saw that. Bob seems like he’s waiting until ‘09 for that one.
"Yesterday I was lying, today I am telling the truth." -- Bob Arum
by Scott Christ on Jun 30, 2008 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Right. I just realized that after reading other reports.. Looks like a Manny’s got great future ahead of him.. not that he didn’t already cement his legacy with his win over Diaz..
I think he’ll wax Valero without much trouble, which I’ve said for a while now. If I’m not wrong, and Hatton doesn’t lose to Malignaggi in November, then Pacquiao-Hatton is such an enormous international fight that I don’t think we can even imagine the noise that will come out of that crowd. Talk about passionate fanbases. It’ll be a huge, huge fight. And I think Pac can beat Ricky even going up to 140. Hatton’s not a big junior welter at all. I’ve always thought Ricky would’ve been utterly dynamite if he’d had the desire to get down to 135 or even 130. But we’ll never know, and I’d say he’s done OK for himself anyway.
"Yesterday I was lying, today I am telling the truth." -- Bob Arum
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
