Pacquiao in crossfire of Murad-Roach feud

Uncrowned world featherweight boxing champion Manny Pacquiao confirmed the other day he spoke to trainer Freddie Roach about the possibility of advising him on future contracts but never broached the idea of severing ties with US promoter Murad Muhammad.

"Hindi lang kami siguro nagkaintindihan," said Pacquiao. "Wala naman akong balak na humiwalay kay Murad at least hanggang hindi mag-expire ang aming kontrata."

When the contract expires on Jan. 31, 2005, Pacquiao said he will study whatever offers there are on the table.

Apparently, Roach thought Pacquiao was ready to part ways with Muhammad immediately and began a vilification campaign to discredit the promoter. Roach called Muhammad a thief and accused him of stealing purse money from Pacquiao in five US fights since the fighter wrested the International Boxing Federation (IBF) superbantamweight crown from Lehlo Ledwaba in Las Vegas two years ago.

"If we could get an accountant involved to look at all of Manny’s fights with Murad, you’ll find a lot of money missing," said Roach in the boxingtalk.net website. Roach also lashed out at Muhammad in the maxboxing.com website, commenting, "Murad says he performs miracles–he sure does, he makes money disappear."

Roach, 48, said he would no longer train Pacquiao if Muhammad continues to promote his US fights.

Pacquiao’s business manager Rod Nazario told The Star he was introduced by Roach to US lawyer Nicholas Khan in Los Angeles before the Marco Antonio Barrera fight to arrange a work permit. Khan charged a fee of $10,000 for Pacquiao’s three-year permit.

Khan and another lawyer Keith Davidson later drafted a contract to take over Pacquiao’s US promotional rights. The lawyers, in partnership with Roach, initially offered a six-fight, two-year contract for $25 to $35 Million with a $500,000 signing bonus. But when the draft was submitted, the offer had changed dramatically. There was no mention of a six-fight deal, the signing bonus would be deducted from the first fight purse of $1.5 Million, the contract period was extended to four years, and no assurance was made to protect Pacquiao in case of a law suit from Muhammad. The draft identified a Beverly Hills-based Nevada company, Ten Count Productions, to promote Pacquiao’s US fights. The company listed Roach, Khan and Davidson as managers.

Pacquiao and Nazario eventually decided to stick it out with Muhammad at least until his contract lapses.

In retaliation, Muhammad–stung by Roach’s accusations–launched a counterstrike against the trainer. His spokesman Ricardo Salazar issued a strongly-worded press statement last Friday to refute the accusations.

"To make accusations and to start a smear campaign against a man who’s just doing his job is something that cannot be ignored and it makes it clear that what Roach wanted all along was a piece of Pacquiao," said Salazar. "He wasn’t content on just being the trainer."

Salazar explained that Pacquiao asked for a purse of $500,000 for the Barrera fight and Muhammad delivered. He said Pacquiao knew the Home Box Office gross purse was $700,000. Nazario confirmed Pacquiao was aware of it. "No problem kay Manny–happy siya sa kanyang tinanggap," said Nazario.

"Murad is in the business of boxing," continued Salazar. "He’s in it to make champions and make money for his champions. He is also in the business to prosper and make money. Should he be crucified for making an honest living? No matter how talented and charismatic a fighter may be, he still needs the best representation. The (Barrera) fight didn’t happen by accident. It was through the perseverance of Murad. And now, when Pacquiao is no longer just Manny Pacquiao but superstar Pacquiao, the vultures are circling looking to steal him from Murad."

Muhammad vowed never to work with Roach again. "Freddie smacked the hell out of my name and I’m coming after him," barked Muhammad, quoted by Greg Leon of boxingtalk.net. "Roach will pay, big time. I will not sleep until he understands you do not attack a Muhammad on an assumption. I do wonders for Pacquiao and what do I get in return? He tried to kill my good name. I’m going to get him. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. It’s surely not factual because that’s untrue. Unless Manny overrules me, I’ll be working day and night to get Roach the hell out of there (team Pacquiao)."

Roach said he was paid only $25,000 for the Barrera fight. If Pacquiao’s purse was $500,000, the trainer concluded he was shortchanged. But Nazario said before the bout, Roach agreed to receive a flat fee of $25,000, regardless of Pacquiao’s purse.

Pacquiao said despite Muhammad’s rantings, he will retain Roach as his trainer and pay him a guaranteed 10 percent of his future gross purses.

But with Roach and Muhammad feuding, Pacquiao is caught in the crossfire.

Muhammad said he’d like Pacquiao to fight IBF and World Boxing Association featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico for a $1 Million purse in his next bout. Roach disagreed, preferring Paulie Ayala or Johnny Tapia instead and leaving Marquez for a later date.

In the end, Roach and Muhammad will abide by what Pacquiao decides. After all, he’s the fighter who takes the beating in the ring and rings up the money for all the members of his team.