BREAKING NEWS: PACQUIAO FLIES TO MANILA AFTER BARRERA MEETING! By Salven L. Lagumbay PhilBoxing.com Sun, 12 Aug 2007 This content is protected SACRAMENTO, Calif.--A multitude of fans were waiting for Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao to show up at yesterday's World Cup official weigh-in here, but were disappointed when the Filipino icon did not show up with not even a hint of his whereabouts. However, sources have revealed that the Filipino boxing hero had returned to the Philippines last night. Yesterday, Pacquiao joined Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera at a Beverly Hills press conference to formally announce their Oct. 6 rematch at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Also present were promoters Oscar De la Hoya and Bob Arum. Pacquiao was slated to fly to Sacramento yesterday immediately after the press conference in his capacity as team captain to the Filipino boxers seeing action against Mexican warriors today at the Arco Arena. Pacman, however, did not show up at the weigh-in, while the ever professional De la Hoya flew from LA to Sacramento just to grace the event. Mexican team captain Juan Manuel Marquez showed up to cheer for his fighters, giving his boys the much-needed boost for today's fight. This content is protected An executive of one of the co-promoters informed yesterday that Pacquiao had indeed left Los Angeles to fly to Manila, and wondered if he was serious in his next fight. This was confirmed by Pacquiao's close associate Rex 'Wakee' Salud. Pacquiao reportedly flew with trainer Buboy Fernandez, raising suspicions that the latter would be training Pacquiao the entire duration of his training for Barrera. Last month, Pacquiao had indicated that he wanted to train at Rex 'Wakee' Salud's new gym in Cebu City.
Wow...not only is he not taking Barrera serious; he is also sherking his duties as team captain. It would have meant alot to his fellow paisanos if he would have showed like Juan Manuel MArquez did.
I am disappointed, expecially after reading that Pac will now train in the Phil for sometime with Roach. Not making an excuse for Pac but it has been clear to me for the past few fights that Pac is not hungry as he was before. I hope he just pull his acts together for the next 2 or 3 fights then retire for good.
Last time it was Pac that had to prove he was an elite fighter. This time it is MAB that wants to prove he's an elite fighter. I honestly predicted Pac to beat MAB last time and won $250 b/c MAB said Pac reminded him of himself when he was young. This time, Barrera will make the stand and do it like he did it to Hamed!
Agreed. If MAB wins, he becomes a top 3 Mexican fighter. A close loss keeps him right in that top 5 or 6 area.
Yes, only because I am making way more money now than in November of 2003. Honestly, I think Barrera can and will do it.
Now that he is making a ton of money in fights, endorsements etc. I think he is not taking his boxing career seriously anymore, I have a feeling that indeed he is underestimating Barrera, what a waste if he would ruin his career like this. Success is getting way too much into his head. I hope I am wrong,coz he has what it takes to become an all time great.
Viva Barrera! I know he can do it in his last fight, just box smartly and pace himself. I think Barrera will take the early rounds as a disinterested Pac take some time to warm up. Pac will come on at some point in the fight, it's just gonna come down to whether or not Barrera can weather the typhoon that is Pacquiao.