HOLLYWOOD – MANNY Pacquiao is going for lucky No. 7.
The "Pambansang Kamao" is one win closer to making boxing history.
A win against WBO Welterweight Champion Miguel Cotto on November 14 in Las Vegas, would net the Filipino fighter his seventh world title in a seventh different weight division.
Pacquiao, who is moving up from the 140-pound junior welterweight class to the 145-pound welterweight division, knows it is a historic boxing feat and feels confident he will walk out of the ring carrying the welterweight championship belt.
“Winning a seventh world title in a seventh weight class is a big honor for me and my family [and] not only for me but for our country and to the Filipino people,” said Pacquiao to the Asian Journal during an open media day workout at the Wildcard Gym last November 4.
Pacquiao is already considered the best boxer ever to come out of Asia and is making his case amongst the greatest of all time. He was the first Asian fighter to win five world titles in five different weight divisions. Now, he can become the first ever to win a seventh title.
In the history of boxing, no pugilist has ever won seven world titles in seven different weight classes. Oscar De La Hoya, whom Pacquiao defeated last year, won six titles in as many different weight classes. There are only a handful of boxers who’ve won five titles including Thomas Hearns, Hector Camacho, De La Hoya, James Toney and Pacquiao.
Roach said Pacquiao is a once-in-a-generation fighter.
“I’ve already said this and I’ll say it again, ‘there will never be another Manny Pacquiao, at least in my lifetime,’” said Roach.
Pacquiao has captured titles in the following weight divisions: 112, 122, 126, 130, 135 and most recently, 140 pounds.
Fine Tuning
Winning another title in a different weight class would be a great achievement but both men know that Cotto is a formidable opponent.
With one week remaining until the biggest fight of the year, Roach said he and Pacquiao are just fine tuning the game plan.
“He [Pacquiao] knows the game plan,” said Roach. “We know how to fight this guy. I really do think we’re going to make this guy look like an amateur.”
The trainer’s only worry is Cotto’s propensity to perform dirty tactics especially when he gets in trouble.
“I’m going to make it an issue, of course,” he said. “I want points taken away right away or a disqualification if it’s intentional.”
Pacquiao said his motivation to win another world championship is not his only driving force to win this fight. He also understands that a win could uplift the spirit of the country especially after the devastating typhoons that affected many Filipinos lives.
“This fight I dedicate to those who are suffering from the typhoon,” Pacquiao said. “This is it. This is for our honor. This is for us.”
(www.asianjournal.com ) ( Published November 7, 2009 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. A3 )
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