PACQUIAO AWAITS WINNER OF
MAYWEATHER-MOSLEY FIGHT IN MAY 1
ARLINGTON,
TEXAS, MARCH 15, 2010
(MALAYA) – Manny Pacquiao intends to fight anew in
November, and it’s no secret who he wants to face next.
Will Floyd Mayweather Jr. agree, provided he beats Shane Mosley in their May 1 (May 2 in Manila) showdown in Las Vegas?
"Mayweather should win against Mosley… but if not, maybe Mosley and I will fight," Pacquiao said moments after scoring a lopsided 12-round decision on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the Dallas Cowoys Stadium to retain his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown.
Before his next fight, Pacquiao has another tough battle in his hands–a congressional fight against businessman Roy Chiongbian in May for the lone seat in Saranggani province.
It’s clear, however, that whatever happens after the May elections, Pacquiao wants to continue fighting.
"I want the fight (against Mayweather), because the people want to see the fight. But it’s up to (Floyd) if he wants to fight me. It’s not a problem for me to fight him; we’re ready to fight at any time. But I don’t think he’s ready to fight. Someday we’ll be ready to fight," Pacquiao said.
Trainer Freddie Roach stressed the same sentiment, saying: "It’s a fight the world’s wants to see. Get in the ring and fight us."
Pacquiao was guaranteed at least $12 million for the Clottey fight, with the Ghana fighter, who disappointed the crowd of 50,994 by playing hide-and-seek with the world’s top pound-for-pound boxer, guaranteed at least $1.25 million.
Pacquiao’s proposed fight against Mayweather fell apart due to drug testing issues but fight experts are convinced the lure of cash–an estimated $80 million–may eventually convinced the American, undefeated in 40 fights, to step into the ring with the Filipino star.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who paid $7 million as a site fee for the Pacquiao-Clottey bout, also expressed the hope that Mayweather would eventually agree to fight Pacquiao.
"I think God willing," Jones said. "I think we can have a fight here that could beat the NBA All-Star Game that had over 108,000, if we can have a fighter in Manny Pacquiao and a promoter in Bob Arum."
The crowd, the third largest to see an indoor match in boxing history, included a large portion of Filipinos and Fil-Americans who paid tickets ranging from $35 for standing room to $700 for ringside seats. Parking prices ranged from $30 to $50.
"I was worried if there were a few people here for the fight," said Pacquiao. "Then I come out and I can’t believe it."
Although they were disappointed by Clottey’s performance, they saw Pacquiao in his element, with the Filipino champ throwing 1,231 punches–more than 100 per round–and landing 246 of them. Even more staggering, Pacquiao threw 832 more punches than Clottey.