Pacquiao wary of unknown Kazakh

For a fighter of Manny Pacquiao’s talent and caliber, the only reigning Filipino world champion remains wary and cautious of his fight against Serizkhan Yeshmagambetov of Kazakhstan next month at the Luneta Park.

For good reason.

"Hindi siya masyadong kumpiyansa in the sense na wala pa siyang kaalam-alam tungkol sa makakalaban nya, kung ano ang style o kung saan malakas," Arlene Elorde, wife of international boxing promoter Gabriel "Bebot" Elorde Jr., told The STAR last night.

She added that although they had already requested some tapes of the Kazakh champion, they’re not depending much on these, stressing: "For sure, ang ipapadala nila ay ’yung mga lumang tapes."

Actually, five other boxers from Japan, Korea and South Africa have been tapped to fight Pacquiao in this 10-round non-title bout but all backed out, leaving Yeshmagambetov, a virtual unknown, to challenge the 2002 Sportsman of the Year awardee.

"Lahat ng mga naunang boksingero ay umayaw although yung isa ang kontratang hiningi ay $15,000 na sobrang laki sa isang non-title fight," added Elorde.

The Kazakh, according to Elorde, is expected to arrive here a week before the March 15 fight in what would probably serve as a tuneup match before his keenly-awaited featherweight division invasion.

Pacquiao, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) superbantamweight champion, has been training in earnest in Davao since he left Manila early this week after making amends with the sportswriters for snubbing the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards last month.

Initially scheduled at the Casino Filipino in Parañaque, the venue was moved to Rizal Park since the Casino Filipino officials claimed that they found a crack in one of the beams of the amphitheater, prompting the organizers to look for a new site.

"It is an honor and a privilege to stage this boxing event in Manila. This is Manny’s first fight in the metropolis after winning the IBF world title in June 2001. I am deeply grateful to Mayor Lito Atienza and to First Gentleman Mike Arroyo for their support in this boxing event," Elorde said.

This triple-header will also feature the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) International Bantamweight Championship between Filipinos Johnny Lear and Roger Galicia. Completing the lineup is Manny’s younger brother Bobby Pacquiao who is pitted against Baby Lorona Jr. in a rematch of sorts.

Dubbed as "BakBakan sa Luneta" is presented by Elorde Int’l Productions and supported by Lotus Garden Hotel Manila and National Sports Grill.