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The
Unsaid Truth
By Danny Leigh
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Who's for a
'Super' with Pacman?
WHAT IS THE BEST FIGHT FOR MANNY PACQUIAO RIGHT NOW?
WBC junior-lightweight champion, Juan Manuel
Marquez, 47-3-1 35 KOs from Mexico, is the obvious
front runner and the fans’ choice. This
is exactly the type of fight boxing needs and
is one of the best Super Fights that can be
made. Marquez v Pacquiao II sells itself.
Mexican legend, Marco Antonio Barrera, 63-5
42 KOs, may have recently lost his title to
Marquez, but a rematch with Manny would be a
war that fans of both fighters willl certainly
enjoy. The winner of this fight would generate
even more interest for a rematch with Juan Manuel
Marquez.
WBA junior-lightweight champion, Edwin Valero,
22-0 – 22 KOs, from Venezuela is a threat
to anyone he fights. If he was matched up with
Manny Pacquiao he could emerge as one of the
most fearsome fighters in boxing. The Japan
based Valero looks to be a legitimate power
house. His strength and relentless pressure
would make for an entertaining match up against
any of the division’s elite boxers. But
he has not fought anyone near the calibre of
Manny Pacquiao, so no matter who is Pacman's
next opponent he will enter the ring with No
Fear.
Humberto Soto, 41-5-2 - 25 KOs from Mexico looks
like he is being primed to be Manny's next opponent
due to the fact he is also promoted by Top Rank.
This depends on Soto defeating Bobby Pacquiao
in his up and coming fight. Soto has not lost
in his last 19 bouts, he may be relatively unknown
but he has wins over some tough opponents including
Rocky Juarez. Soto is in his prime right now
and like Valero would be a dangerous opponent
for anyone in the division.
WBO junior-lightweight champion, Joan Guzman,
27-0 –17 KOs, from the Dominican Republic
is a very skillful boxer with good strength
and durability. The addition of Floyd Mayweather
Snr. will certainly add to his power, but he
has not brought his knockout punch with him
as he moved up in weight.
Outside of a possible big pay day fighting Manny,
Guzman doesn't seem interested in testing his
skills in the 130lbs weight class. If Guzman
v Pacquiao doesn't happen, he will more than
likely step up in weight and hope that the fight
with undefeated Australian Michael Katsidis,
22-0 = 20 KOs, is still there for him.
IBF junior-lightweight champion, Mzonke Fana,
26-3 – 9 KOs, from South Africa proved
to be a class below the elite of the division
when he was knocked out in two rounds by Barrera.
But to his credit he has bounced back to win
the title, he has a win over Randy Suico and
most the boxers on his resume have winning records.
Mzonke is a good boxer, but he lacks the power
and strength to seriously be a threat to the
top guns of the division.
Assuming Manny doesn't underestimate Fana, adding
the IBF title to his name might give Pacquiao
more leverage financially, negotiating fights
with other world champions.
WBA Featherweight Champion, Chris John, 39-0-1
20 KOs from Indonesia, is more likely to have
a big fight with Rocky Juarez, than a show down
with Pacquiao, But his win over Juan Manuel
Marquez shows that he is worthy of a mention
amongst the elite. Marquez disputes the Indonesian's
win and wants to avenge his loss with a rematch.
If Chris John keeps winning maybe the first
All Asian Super Fight is on the horizon.
Joel Casamayor, 34-3-1 21 KOs, from Cuba, whose
last fight was a win over the late Diego "Chico"
Corrales in the lightweight division, is, like
Manny, referred to as the best fighter in his
weight class despite not having the title. A
catch weight fight between these to uncrowned
champions might generate the funds Manny is
looking for. Casamayor v Pacquiao would be one
hell of a fight.
Next after those eight potential pairings for
Pacman,. three good prospects are coming up.
Look out for.
Leonilo Miranda 26-0 - 25 KOs, Mexico
Alex Arthur, 24-1 – 18 KOs, Scotland
Koba Gogoladze, 20-1 – 8 KOs, Georgia.
Can't
say you didn't know.
I'm Danny Leigh, with The Unsaid Truth
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