Pacquiao up against Japanese foe next month

Manny Pacquiao is defending his WBC International super-bantamweight crown against a Japanese foe on Feb. 17 tentatively at the Yñares Sports Center in Antipolo, according to promoter Gabriel "Bebot" Elorde.

Pacquiao, who turned 22 last Dec. 4, takes on Tetsutora Senrima, whose real name is Choluho Kang, born in Kobe to North Korean parents.

Senrima, 31, has a record of 19-4-3 with 10 knockouts. He turned pro in 1990 and has stopped former world-rated Thanomsak Sithbaobey of Thailand and Filipino Archie Ano-os.

Originally, Pacquiao is set to meet Lebanese-born Australian fighter Nadel Hussein in a rematch ordered by the WBC. But after weeks of negotiations, Hussein’s camp waived its rights, giving Elorde the right to get another opponent for Pacquiao.

Pacquiao and Hussein figured in a bruising fight last Oct. 14 also at the Yñares Center in Antipolo — but the Filipino titlist repulsed Hussein via a 10th round technical knockout.

The verdict, however, was questioned by Hussein’s camp, saying the referee, Filipino Carlos Padilla, Jr., helped Pacquiao recover after being floored in the fourth round.