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.