Young Pacquiao stakes crown in Lorona rematch

Bobby Pacquiao defends his Philippine super-featherweight title in a fourth meeting against his two-time challenger Baby Lorona Jr. without his older brother for the first time Wednesday night at the Elorde Sports Center’s cockpit arena in Sucat, Parañaque City.

The 12-round championship headlines the card dubbed "Bakbakan sa Elorde" promoted by Gabriel "Bebot" Elorde Jr., who is running for councilor of Parañaque City’s 2nd District.

Pacquiao, the younger brother of consensus featherweight kingpin Manny, defends his throne for the fourth time since winning it against Renato Inal in June 15, 2002.

Compared with their three bouts that went the full route wherein Pacquiao won twice to keep his 130-lb title belt, tonight’s tussle is expected to be a thriller as both fighters promised to win via knockout.

They both weighed 130 pounds in the official weigh-in at the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) in Makati City yesterday.

But the 24-year old Gen San champ has to do his things without his brother at ringside for the first time in his three bouts against Lorona, whose WBF Asia-Pacific super-feather diadem isn’t at stake.

Pacquiao, who is in rigid training in Hollywood for his May 8 bout against WBA/IBF featherweight champ Juan Manuel Marquez at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, was a motivating factor for the younger champ as he heard him coached at ringside.

In the undercard, World Boxing Council (WBC) top ranked junior flyweight contender faces Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) No. 17 Ricky Manatad in a scheduled 10 round bout.

While Aaron Melgarejo of Biñan, Laguna takes on Winnie "Jun" Paderna for six round featherweight bout.

A brainchild project of Elorde to discover the best talents, about 15 bouts, featuring the barangay champions from the District 2 of Paranaque City, start the event at 6 p.m.

General admission is free to the public on a first come first serve basis, while Ringside tickets cost P100. For reservation call May at 825-7229.