Pacquiao right on track for world title

Manny Pacquiao has displayed the old killer instinct, the old killer blows and the old drawing power at the gates last Saturday and now all he needs is a regular world crown to underscore his successful comeback into the prizefight's centerstage.

After a tentative start, the Filipino champ displayed his old devastating form, stopping Sydney-based Arnel Barotillo in the fourth round with a left-upper and right-cross combination in two minutes to win the WBC International superbantamweight crown.

That was his second stoppage in his comeback trail since losing his WBC flyweight title to Thai Medgeon 3-K Battery. He earlier pounded former Oriental champion Reynante Jamili into submission in two rounds last December.

Now there are talks that the Gen. Santos native will step up his bid to get a crack at the WBC superbantamweight crown soon to be vacated by Mexico's Erik Morales.

Pacquiao's camp, led by business manager Rod Nazario, is reportedly working out details of an offer it would send WBC super bantamweight No. 2 challenger Michael Brodie of the United Kingdom for an eliminator bout tentatively set in Manila this May. Pacquiao is ranked seventh in the WBC bantamweight class.

Morales is hot on his title crack at flamboyant WBO featherweight titlist Nassem Hamed.

"We expect to go higher in the ratings so we will try to negotiate an early deal with the top contender," said Nazario.

There was also a plan to seek a crack at WBC bantamweight champion Veerapol Sahaprom of Thailand although Pacquiao seemed keen on pursuing a bid on Morales' crown.