Pacquiao accepts Casamayor's challenge for WBO Lightweight belt

NEW World Boxing Council (WBC) Superfeatherweight champion Manny Pacquiao is willing to face World Boxing Organization (WBO) interim Lightweight champion Joel Casamayor in the ring "if the price is right."

"Why not as long as the price is right," said Pacquiao during his courtesy call to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacañang last Monday in reaction to the challenge of the Cuban boxer.

Casamayor was stripped off his WBC interim Lightweight belt in 2006 after he faced off with Michael Katsidis of the WBO. The WBC Lightweight belt later went to David Diaz who is expected to face Pacquiao in June this year.

Pacquiao, who won the Super Featherweight belt against Mexican boxer Juan Miguel Marquez last March 16, is set to move up to lightweight division eyeing the belt of Diaz.

He said a possible match, tentatively set for June 28 in Las Vegas between the two of them, is now being finalized. He said they expect the final decision on his match with Diaz in two weeks.

He said after his match with Diaz, he could then face Marquez anew for another possible rematch when the Mexican boxer returns from his rest and vacation in September.

Marquez, after losing the belt, challenged Pacquiao to another rematch. Pacquiao and Marquez first faced each other in 2004, which ended in a draw. It was followed by last week's match where Pacquiao emerged as the victor via a split decision.

Pacquiao shrugged off those who are questioning his victory, saying it is limited in the Philippines where crab mentality still exists. He added that what is important is that he is able to make millions of Filipino happy with his victory.

"For me, I want to fight Diaz because it is not good to see if I would face Marquez right away. The people might think that there is something personal between me and Marquez," said Pacquiao.

Asked if he would ask or agree to singer-actress Ara Mina to lead the singing of the national anthem during his boxing match abroad, Pacquiao said if she could sing and carry the tune of the national anthem well, he has no problem with it.

He said a lot of people, including Filipino-Americans who are now staying in the United States, are auditioning to sing the national anthem during his matches, and having a say on who should lead the singing, he only want the best.

Pacquiao, after attending the thanksgiving mass at the Quiapo Church and conducting a motorcade, and his fellow Filipino Featherweight champion Michael Fariñas were accorded in Malacañang a simpler "hero's welcome" for their victories last week.

Arroyo and the Malacañang's pastry chefs presented to Pacquiao a two-layer chocolate ovation bar, which was topped with a replica of the Filipino boxing champion as he raised his two hands after his victory. Behind the cake topper was a Philippine flag.

Pacquiao, who thanked everyone for their support and prayers, urged everyone to set aside politics and instead work together for the good of the country.

He said instead of thinking about politics and his possible political plans, he prefers to focus more on his boxing career and his college education. He is now taking up business management at the Notre Dame-Dadiangas University in General Santos City.

The Filipino boxing icon is thankful that he is bale to "unify" everyone whenever he fights especially at time when there appears to be a "political crisis" in the country. (JMR/Sunnex)

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