Philippine Sports News and Updates

Pinoy boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao has confirmed that October 17 will be his next fight date after his successful campaign against Ricky Hatton last May 2.

Pacquiao, the current pound-for-pound (P4P) king, will have to choose among today’s boxing stars Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, and his bitter rival Juan Manuel Marquez.

The hard-hitting southpaw from General Santos City, however, is leaning towards a match with Mayweather, the former pound-for-pound ruler.

“Mas ok si Floyd Mayweather [Jr.], gusto ko nga iyong maraming sinasabi,” said Pacquiao.

The undefeated Mayweather, however, said Pacquiao would have to find an “antidote” for a slick boxer like him. “Nobody has the antidote to beat Floyd Mayweather… Manny has been beaten in the past,” said the former pound-for-pound king.

The undefeated Mayweather will be having Marquez for his comeback fight on July 18, and Pacquiao thinks the undefeated black American has the upper hand.

“Walang kasiguruhan pero [may] advantage si Mayweather,” he said.

But Pacquiao believes that Marquez is also capable of beating Mayweather.

“He's fast also but he doesn’t want to get hit,” Pacquiao said referring to Mayweather. “So tapang ang pinaguusapan.”

Pacquiao has already collided with Marquez twice with both fights ending in controversies. The Filipino knocked down Marquez thrice during their first meeting in 2004 but the Mexican managed to get a draw. Pacquiao and Marquez fought again in 2008 with the Filipino winning via split decision.

• ABS-CBN News
• Philippine Sports Central