Pacquiao eyes US bouts

Following the successful defense of his World Boxing Council International superbantamweight crown, Manny Pacquiao could be two or three steps closer to the top of the WBC ladder.

Pacquiao’s fifth round stoppage of Japanese-born North Korean challenger Tetsutora Senrima last Saturday has boosted the Filipino’s chances of gaining a crack at the WBC crown currently held by American Willie Jorrin.

But boxing experts say that for the left-handed Pacquiao to climb to No. 1 from his current position as the No. 3 contender in the WBC rankings, he needs to win a couple or three more fights abroad or here.

Pacquiao’s camp, however, is currently drawing up plans to arrange some legitimate bouts in the United States, particularly in Los Angeles, to enable Pacquiao to gain a mandatory title fight.

"Although it is not yet certain, we are planning some future fights for Manny, hopefully in Los Angeles this April," said Marty Elorde, son of the late great boxing legend Gabriel "Flash" Elorde.

"We hope to benefit from this plan. We need to really to think about this first because what is at stake here is Manny’s future," added Elorde.

Jorrin, currently based in Sacramento, California, is expected to take on No. 1 contender Michael Brody of Great Britain in two to three months.