Erik in town; Marquez keen on Pacquiao

By Abac Cordero
The Philippine Star 03/29/2007

El Terrible is back in Manila.

More than two months after his first visit to the Philippines,
Mexican ring icon Erik Morales is back in the country to do another commercial for San Miguel Beer.

Morales flew in Tuesday. The last time he was here last January, the three-time world champion and his wife Andrea had a blast doing the SMB commercial and visiting the exclusive resort of Amanpulo. Bob Arum of Top Rank broke the news about Morales’ second visit to the Philippines to boxingtalk.com.

Meanwhile, the World Boxing Council is keeping its fingers crossed that Top Rank and Golden Boy could soon settle their differences and pave the way for a Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez fight later this year.

Pacquiao, who faces Jorge Solis on April 14 in San Antonio, Texas looms as the next best fight for Marquez, who dethroned Marco Antonio Barrera. Pacquiao reportedly suffered a cut in his left eyebrow during sparring at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. But his handlers described it as a "minor scratch.

" Since Barrera hinted that he’s not ready to face Marquez in an immediate rematch, the WBC champion said he’s just as excited to face Pacquiao, and resume their rivalry that ended in a questionable draw in 2004. Marquez said if the fight happens, the result will be very different.

"Manny attacks without defense, sometimes disregarding what sort of punches are coming back his way. I’m telling you, my next fight against Manny is going to be very different," said Marquez.

" I was over confident in the first fight, and almost paid the consequences. In our next fight, I’m going to be concentrating fully.

The key will be a combination of intelligence, boxing skills and also power. And I must insure that he doesn’t connect strongly with his left," Marquez said.

Top Rank, under Bob Arum, and Golden Boy, under Oscardela Hoya, have gone to court, disputing the promotional rights over Pacquiao and dimming hopes of a fight between boxers from the two stables.

"Well, great fights, have great complications. It’s unfortunate that they are having their own fight, and that could prevent great fights from happening," added Sulaiman.