Steward picks Pacquiao if rematch on

DETROIT — Former world boxing champion Tommy (Hitman) Hearns and his long-time trainer Emanuel Steward of the fabled Kronk stable were special courtside guests in Game 5 of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals at the Palace in Auburn Hills last Tuesday.

Hearns and Steward, who live in Motor City, came to support the hometown Detroit Pistons who crushed the Los Angeles Lakers, 100-87, to clinch the best-of-7 series in five games.

Asked what he thinks of Manny Pacquiao, Steward’s eyes lit up.

"He’s an explosive fighter," said Steward. "I watched an HBO (Home Box Office) documentary on his life and I know he’s quite a hero in the Philippines."

Steward said in a rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao will win on points. While negotiations for a rematch are in limbo, Dan Rafael of USA Today recently reported that the return bout could be held in January next year.

"Marquez is tough," continued Steward. "You saw how he survived those knockdowns in the first round. It’ll be difficult to knock him out. I heard Pacquiao was injured starting the second round and that’s why he couldn’t finish off Marquez. Still, I think Pacquiao should vary his style of fighting. He just can’t go blasting away. But no matter what, he’ll beat Marquez by decision if and when they fight again."

Steward said he’s expecting a Filipino champion to be brought to his gym for training soon.

"I can’t remember his name but I understand he’s about 106 pounds," said Steward. "No, he’s not Brian Viloria. I heard this kid is very talented."

Unbeaten Oriental minimumweight titlist and highly-ranked world contender Rodel Mayol may be the fighter in Steward’s mind.

As for the decision in the recent Pacquiao-Marquez fight, Steward said it was fair. "You can’t complain," he added. "I was happy with the draw."

Hearns, dapper in a tan suit, walked slowly behind Steward as they entered the Palace in a VIP entrance. He took small steps and appeared to be disoriented. His face was tilted sideways.

Like Steward, Hearns said he has a lot of respect for Pacquiao. "He’s an exciting fighter," muttered Hearns who slurred in his speech. It seemed like Hearns is suffering from Parkinson’s syndrome, the same disease afflicting Muhammad Ali.

Rafael hinted of a Pacquiao-Marquez rematch and said the winner of the Marco Antonio Barrera-Paulie Ayala crossroads fight tonight (Sunday morning, Manila) at the open-air Home Depot Center in Carson City, California, will later battle the survivor of the return bout for the unified world featherweight championship.

Barrera, 30, was mauled into submission by Pacquiao last November. Ayala, 34, decisioned trialhorse Edel Ruiz late last year in his first fight since losing to Erik Morales on points.

"I have to make a statement against Barrera to create a fight with Marquez or Pacquiao," said Ayala whose record is 35-2, with 12 knockouts. "I need to look impressive. It’s going to be a difficult fight because I don’t expect the same Barrera who fought Pacquiao. I expect a hungry Barrera that will come out and try to go through me. I feel he still has fight in him but I’m not just taking this to be an opponent. I’m taking it to make a great fight and to win."

Barrera said he’s not finished as a fighter. "I want to show everyone that this is not the first time I’ve gotten up from a loss to come back," said the Mexican. "We’re not looking at what happened in November. That’s behind us. We’re just looking at this fight."

Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach has been in Phoenix the last three weeks preparing heavyweight Mike Tyson for his July 30 bout against Irish-born Kevin McBride in Louisville. Roach made his debut in Tyson’s corner when Iron Mike demolished Clifford Etienne in one round last year.

Tyson, who turns 38 this month, has a 50-4 record, with 43 KOs, compared to McBride’s 31-4-1, with 26 KOs. McBride hasn’t lost in his last six outings while Tyson is coming off the win over Etienne after losing to Lennox Lewis in June 2002. When Lewis retired, Tyson broke back into the title picture as a serious contender.

McBride’s only claim to fame is he lives in Brockton, Massachusetts, the hometown of the late Rocky Marciano and Marvelous Marvin Hagler. But it remains to be seen if he can fight like either Marciano or Hagler against Tyson.