A rusty mind

Sa tamang presyo at kasunduan, tila plantsado na ang labanan nina Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao at world super featherweight champion Joan Guzman sa Oktubre 6 sa Macau, China. 

Sinabi kahapon ni Bob Arum ng Top Rank Promotions na nagpahayag na ng interes ang kampo ni Guzman, ang kasalu-kuyang World Boxing Organization (WBO) super featherweight titlist, na sagupain si Pacquiao.   

 “They seemed to be keen on the fight because it’s a great fight and they think their guy can win it,” wika ni Arum kina Sean Gibbons at Scott Wood-worth, kinatawan ng Sycuan Ringside Promotions na siyang lead promoter ni Guzman. 

Kinumpirma rin ng manager ni Guzman na si Jose Nunez ang posib-leng Pacquiao-Guzman championship fight. 

“Guzman wants to match skills with the best and many people say Manny is the best fighter at 130 pounds,” wika ni Nunez. “With the right terms and conditions, Joan wants this great fight. His hand is sore but he can surely be ready for October 6.” 

Nakatakda sanang labanan ni Guzman si WBO interim lightweight king Michael Katsidis sa Mayo 26 sa Anaheim, California kundi lamang ito nakansela bunga ng hand injury ni Guzman. 

Bukod kay Guzman, ang iba pang nasa lista-han ni Arum ukol sa mga posibleng sagupain ni Pacquiao, ang kasaluku-yang World Boxing Council (WBC) International super featherweight ruler, ay sina dating WBC champion Marco Antonio Barrera, No. 3 contender Humberto Soto at World Boxing Association (WBA) titlist Edwin Valero. 

Si Soto ay nakatak-dang sumagupa sa 26-anyos na utol ni Pacquiao na si Bobby sa isang non-title fight sa Hunyo 9 sa Madison Square Garden sa New York City. (RC)