Two tickets for Marty

Marty Elorde said yesterday he’s not sure to fly to Las Vegas but if he does, there will be two tickets waiting for him to watch Manny Pacquiao fight International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Hotel on May 8.

Curiously, Elorde is Pacquiao’s registered manager but it’s common knowledge that he has little to do in handling the fighter’s affairs. Rod Nazario takes care of negotiating Pacquiao’s bouts as his business manager.

"Ayoko ng gulo," said Elorde. "Okay lang kung si Mang Rod ang mag-negotiate. Siya naman ang business manager. Naguusap naman kami ni Mang Rod. Sabi niya sa akin, may dalawang ticket ako for the fight. At after the fight, paguusapan namin ang sharing sa premyo ni Manny."

Elorde said he has not been told how much Pacquiao is pocketing for taking on Marquez. A source confided that HBO (Home Box Office) set aside a $1.5 Million budget for the purses of both Pacquiao and Marquez, added Elorde.

"How much of the $1.5 Million is for Manny, hindi ko alam," continued Elorde.

There were reports that Pacquiao asked for at least $1 Million from HBO. Marquez said he deserved to earn a purse equal to Pacquiao’s as after all, he is the defending IBF and WBA double titlist.

Pacquiao’s US promoter Murad Muhammad apparently worked out a compromise to appease the fighters but he declined to disclose the terms of the agreement. It’s possible that Marquez settled for a $500,000 purse on condition if he beats Pacquiao, HBO will increase his paycheck to $1 Million for his next fight. As for Pacquiao, he was assured of a purse more than double than what he’s getting in the Marquez bout in his next fight assuming he disposes of the Mexican. Pacquiao is lined up to challenge World Boxing Council (WBC) superfeatherweight champion Erik Morales in July or August if he repulses Marquez.

Elorde paid P1 Million as a signing bonus for Pacquiao when he became his manager four years ago. He provides Pacquiao with brand new Mizuno fighting shoes for every bout aside from giving him a monthly P10,000 allowance. In return, Elorde takes a 30 percent share of Pacquiao’s purses. Elorde, however, qualified he receives less than 30 percent—-more like 20 percent, he noted— because he also shares in training and other expenses.

If Elorde goes to Las Vegas, he’ll pay his own way.

Elorde’s contract expires in February next year and he doesn’t expect it will be renewed. Still, Elorde said he’ll make an offer to continue the contract, perhaps for another five years.

"I don’t know if my contract will be renewed," said Elorde whose principals are Japanese businessmen. "But I expect Mang Rod’s contract to be carried over." Elorde said he didn’t get to meet Muhammad during the American’s recent visit to Manila.

"Nabasa ko ang mga writeup tungkol kay Murad," Elorde went on. "Parang nakapa-clean niya. Kausap ko si Freddie (Roach) on the phone at sabi niya sa akin, hindi pa raw sila nagbabati ni Murad. Hindi naman daw racial ang kanilang alitan."

Muhammad and Roach traded bitter verbal barbs in connection with Pacquiao’s purse for the Marco Antonio Barrera fight in November. As Pacquiao’s trainer, Roach is entitled to 10 percent of his gross purse. Pacquiao’s purse was initially reported to be $350,000 but it was later found out to be $700,000. Roach accused Muhammad of shortchanging Pacquiao and him. To make matters worse, Roach proposed to take over as Pacquiao’s manager and promoter.

Nazario eventually stepped in to settle the dispute between Muhammad and Roach. It was agreed that Muhammad would concentrate on his role as promoter and Roach on his job as trainer.

As for Pacquiao’s fight against Marquez, Elorde said he’s confident the Filipino will score a convincing knockout. Pacquiao predicted a victory in the third round.

"Napanood ko na si Marquez on tape," said Elorde. "Magaling siya. May lakas although medyo mabagal. I think Manny is too strong for him. Pagtamaan siya ni Manny, I’m sure babagsak si Marquez. Grabe ang power ni Manny. He’ll definitely win by knockout but I’m not calling the round."

One thing for sure, Elorde added, he’s not going to blink throughout the fight–whether he’ll be at ringside in Las Vegas or watching Solar Sports’ exclusive TV coverage at home.

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