Finkel says: Bad decisions may change Pacman's status in history

Legendary American manager Shelly Finkel said Manny Pacquiao's failure to get a highy-anticipated rematch with Mexican icon Marco Antonio Barrera is a misguided decision that may change the course of Pacman's career and his status in history.

Finkel, whose managerial contract with Pacquiao expires by the end of the month, said he really loved to see a Pacquiao-Barrera rematch as it is a career defining fight for the General Santos City fighter and a bout boxing fans around the globe are dying to see.

But all of Finkel's hopes vanished in thin air after Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer confirmed that the Barrera-Juan Manuel Marquez showdown is already a done deal for March 17 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc., whom Pacquiao picked as his promoter over Golden Boy, later said they will announce Pacmans's next opponent in few days for an April 28 bout at the Wynn Hotel and Casino in Macau.

"You know, I think its evident to all of the knowledgeable boxing fans that a rematch between Manny and Barrera, is a blockbuster fight that all of his fans are dying to see. There was a poll done on Manny's website asking which fight they would like to see most. By a margin of 5-1, Barrera beat out any other potential opponent!" Finkel stated in a report by Lisa Scott of fightnews.com.

"For over 25 years" added Finkel, "I have represented countless fighters and champions and have learned that boxing is unlike any other sport. One misguided decision can change the course of a fighter's career and his status in history! Not getting Barrera is potentially another one of these bad decisions. And that is something I wanted to prevent from happening to Manny. But whatever he decides, I wish him well and I hope he knows that my door is always open to him as a friend."

Finkel said he only wants what is best for Pacquiao and his career and failure to take on Barrera anew will surely be a displeasure to his loyal followers.

"I know this may sound like a cliché, but the only thing I want is what's best for Manny and his career. And, I can't imagine why anyone else - who says they have that same interest - did not get Manny the rematch with Barrera! It's a career defining fight for Manny! Just like Morales was. Not having the opportunity of seeing Manny annihilate Barrera again, will surely be a disappointment to all of his fans," said Finkel in the same internet report.

"You know, every legendary fighter in history is linked to another fighter. It's just how Ali had Frazier and Foreman, for Ray Leonard it was Duran, Hagler and Hearns, for Joe Louis it was Schmelling. And for Manny... it's Morales and Barrera. We all know that there are fights that draw well, but very few are career defining. A Pacquiao-Barrera rematch is one that is BOTH!"

Finkel said he is so sure that a return bout with Barrera will be a big hit and seeing it did not materialize is a "travesty."

"I was so sure of how big a rematch with Barrera would have been, that I was personally willing to guarantee that Manny would make $5 million for that fight, as long as I was involved to make the deal happen for him, (and I relayed this to him directly). For that opportunity to have been lost to another fighter, and Manny not having the chance to beat Barrera again, I think is a travesty," said Finkel.

"I hate to see Manny lose out on something like this," laments the manager. "He's a good kid. I admire Manny's strong religious belief and his tremendous work ethic. He's the pride of his country! Manny has become the greatest fighter to have ever risen from the streets of the Philippines. But its career defining fights such as Barrera that will continue to earn him legendary status throughout the world and will help him be remembered in boxing history. And that's all I wanted for Manny."