Pacquiao backs off from wrestler

World Boxing Council (WBC) International superbantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao squared off with 275-pound former pro wrestler Achim Albrecht at the World Gym in San Francisco recently — but posed only for pictures, stopping short of trading punches.

Kibitzers asked Pacquiao if he would spar with Albrecht, a 1992 Mr. Universe, known as Brakus in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during a brief career that ended in injury two years ago. "Mahirap na," said Pacquiao. "Baka magising na lang ako sa hospital."

Albrecht, 38, now makes a living as a personal trainer for business executives and celebrities.

Pacquiao and Albrecht limbered up separately at the World Gym, a workout facility on Deharo Street in downtown San Francisco.

Albrecht — a native of Muenster, Germany —modeled six years for Muscle and Fitness Magazine then signed a WWF contract "for the money." He roomed with Dwayne Johnson, known as "The Rock," in a WWF school dorm at Stamford, Connecticut, and wrestled in a Memphis farm league before battling the likes of Goldust, Steve (Dr. Death) Williams and Savio Vega in pay-per-view shows. As Brakus, he wrestled for about three years then quit in 1999 after suffering a torn shoulder and a knee bust in a match against Vega. He also combined with Davey Boy (British Bulldog) Smith in a tag team called the European Alliance in the Canadian circuit.

Albrecht, a divorcee, was married to a Filipina-American, Dayna Mederos, for six years. They have two children – a seven year-old daughter and a five-year-old son.

Pacquiao, 22, left for the US last May 17 with manager Marty Elorde and business agent Rod Nazario in search for fame and fortune. Their first stop was San Francisco. After a week, they went to Los Angeles where Pacquiao is now working out under trainer Freddie Roach.

San Francisco immigration lawyer Sydney Hall – who has brought fighters Gerry Peñalosa, Vernie Torres, Jerry Balagbagan, and Orlando Villaflor to the US – told The STAR last week he has been contacted by at least four promoters, including America Presents, on a bout for Pacquiao.

"The goal is to elevate Manny to No. 1 in both the WBC and the IBF (International Boxing Federation)," said Hall. "(Willie) Jorrin (the WBC 122-pound champion) won’t last a round with Manny and knows it. That’s why he’s avoiding us. We could shoot for the IBF crown because the champion (Lehlo) Ledwaba seems to be willing to fight Manny."

There is unconfirmed talk that Pacquiao will finally make his US debut in the undercard of the WBC superwelterweight title bout between champion Javier Castillejo of Spain and challenger Oscar de la Hoya on June 23 in Las Vegas.

In the Bay Area, Pacquiao jogged at least five miles around Lake Merced every morning. Once, he sparred three rounds with an amateur welterweight – who was badly battered – at Oakland A’s owner Ken Hoffman’s gym in Concord. Trainer Terry Lee, a former lightweight contender, supervised Pacquiao’s sparring while Nazario and Hall watched at ringside.

Nazario said if nothing firms up in a few weeks, he’ll bring Pacquiao back to Manila. But if an offer materializes, Pacquiao will stay in the US with Elorde until the fight.