Pacquiao hopes to be greatest Pinoy champ

If he would have his way, International Boxing Federation (IBF) super bantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao would take on four-time world champion Marco Antonio Barrera in his next fight — an epic bout which he thought would become the defining moment of his career.

"Kung ako ang masusunod, gusto ko sana si Barrera na kaagad ang kalaban ng magkaalaman na at para mapatunayan ko rin kung gaano ako kagaling, kung hanggang saan ang aking mararating," said Pacquiao in his appearance at the SCOOP sa Kamayan session yesterday.

Later in the day he made a courtesy call on President Gloria Arroyo in Malacañang.

Pacquiao thanked the President for mentioning him and his feat in her State of the Nation Address (SONA) wherein she said "the Filipino will work anywhere because he is not afraid, like Manny Pacquiao. Given the chance, he will take it and win."

After a fourth successful title defense of his crown against Emmanuel Lucero of Mexico in Los Angeles California last Saturday (Sunday in Manila), Pacquiao believed he’s now ready to ascend the featherweight class and chase history, trying to become the first Filipino fighter to win championships in three different weight categories.

At the moment, he shares the honors of having reigned supreme in two weight classes with Dodie Boy Peñalosa and Luisito Espinosa.

"Masarap gumawa ng record. Matutuwa ako kung matatapos ang career ko na ako ang kauna-unahang Filipino boxer (or Asian for that matter) na nag-champion sa tatlong divisions," said Pacquiao.

But Pacquiao’s handlers don’t intend to rush things up for the Filipino champ. His chief corner man Lito Mondejar said: "Sana huag muna iyan laban na iyan. Kasi kung si Barrera na, talagang balikatan."

Barrera is the current World Boxing Association No. 1 featherweight challenger boasting a 56-3-0 win-loss-draw record with victories over such great fighters as reigning WBC featherweight champion Eric Morales, five-time world champion Johnny Tapia and former WBO featherweight king Prince Nasheem Hamed.

Mondejar said Pacquiao’s next fight is in the hands of business manager Rod Nazario, American promoter Murad Mohammed and the HBO boxing brass.

A mandatory defense within against No. 3 IBF challenger Jose Luis Valbuena and a unification bout with WBC titlist Oscar Larios are among those being considered by his team.

Does he look forward to fighting in the Philippines?

"Huag na muna. Ang daming problema ng bansa natin. Kung dito gagawin ang laban ko, baka makadagdag pa sa problema," said Pacquiao.

Pacquiao isn’t staying in the country for long as he intends to return to the United States in October and resume training under American coach Freddie Roach.

"Aayusin ko lang ang visa ng mga anak ko at babalik na ako sa US para mag-training uli. Isasama ko na ang mga anak ko dahil nakakalungkot ng wala sila," said Pacquiao, who has two children in Manny Jr., three, and Michael Stephen, two.

Pacquiao is raring to continue working hard as he said he’s determined to become the best Filipino fighter of all time.

Asked to whom suits the title, he pointed to himself before letting out a wide grin. — Nelson Beltran