Salud says rematch is inevitable

Former World Boxing Council (WBC) secretary-general Rudy Salud said yesterday a rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez is inevitable because their first fight was inconclusive.

"It was a heckuva fight," said Salud, referring to the Las Vegas brawl that ended in a split draw last May 8. "The draw was well-deserved because the fight was so close it could’ve gone either way. We saw a power puncher in Manny who scored three knockdowns in the first round and a sweet-punching, strong counterpuncher in Marquez who hit more often and more accurately. Judging a fight is subjective. We shouldn’t be too harsh on the judges because it was hard to score the fight. Manny’s attack was a championship-caliber attack and Marquez’ recovery was a championship-caliber recovery."

Salud said while Marquez has declared he isn’t interested in a rematch and has nothing left to prove, the Mexican will eventually give in to pressure from HBO (Home Box Office) and the fans.

"My experience tells me there will be a rematch because of the incessant pressure from HBO, the promoters, the fans and the press," explained Salud. "The pressure is for them to fight again soonest. They fought such a great fight that the boxing world will demand a rematch."

Salud said he concurred with the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s opinion that the draw decision is irreversible.

"You can only change a scorecard during or after the fight if there is a mechanical or mathematical error in calculation or a judge confesses that he was coerced to cheat or score against his better judgement," continued Salud. "You cannot correct judge (Burt) Clements’ scorecard after the fact. Otherwise, there will be chaos. What will prevent other judges from claiming they made a mistake in scoring after a decision is announced?"

Salud said scoring the first round 10-7 instead of 10-6 could be justified because although Marquez was dropped thrice, he scored telling blows before the first fall. "That’s a judgment call," he went on. "In the same way, you can score a 10-9 round even with a knockdown, depending on how a fighter recovers in the round. There is no hard and fast rule in scoring rounds."

As for referee Joe Cortez, Salud said he should’ve deducted at least a point from Marquez for low blows in view of at least four warnings.

"Cortez just made amends because in the first round, he could’ve penalized Manny for hitting Marquez while he was down," said Salud. "Hitting a fighter while he’s down is a basis for a two-point deduction or disqualification."

Salud said challenging WBC featherweight titlist In Jin Chi is not an immediate option for Pacquiao.

"When Manny signed a three-fight contract with HBO, In Jin Chi was not in the list of future opponents," he said. "That freed In Jin Chi from a mandatory defense against Manny. Because Manny fought Marquez for the WBA (World Boxing Association) and IBF (International Boxing Federation) titles and not the WBC championship, he was taken out of the WBC ratings. If we want Manny back in the WBC ratings, it will take time to assuage Don Jose (Sulaiman). But it can be done. In Jin Chi is now defending against a Japanese challenger so Manny is out of the picture at the moment."

A breeder of world champion fighting cocks, Salud promised to give Pacquiao his prized "Winning Time" rooster and four hens if he beat Marquez. Salud said he is reserving the reward for the rematch.

"I’ll bet all my roosters and everything else that Manny will beat Marquez in a rematch on one condition–that he stays in shape between now and the return fight," said Salud. "Manny cannot afford to get out of shape and cram like he did for Marquez. If he’s in shape, there is no doubt he will knock out Marquez. If he gets out of shape then crams again to get into shape, all bets are off."

Salud said Pacquiao’s left big toe blister had nothing to do with the cramps that attacked his right leg. "All the blisters in the world couldn’t have affected his footwork," continued Salud. "Manny crammed 135 sparring rounds in about 40 days while Marquez did 105 over about 120 days. Cramming takes a toll on you. You might be able to get away with it occasionally if you’re young. But you need to properly space your training. Manny was nowhere near his form in the (Marco Antonio) Barrera fight. I think his legs gave way because he crammed his training in a short time."

Salud said a fighter hardly feels the cuts in his face, the banging on his body and certainly the pain from a blister during a bout.

"I suspect Manny’s left hand was hurt because of the pounding it took during his cramming," said Salud. "So many rounds of sparring in just over a month took a toll on his knuckles and fists. The hand gave way."

Salud said he will meet with Pacquiao’s business manager Rod Nazario today to share his insights on the fight. "I’ll advise Rod to tell Manny never to get out of shape and to cram in training," he added. "They’ll fight again, I’m sure. They performed very well the first time so the second fight will come."

Salud said even if Pacquiao didn’t win–he didn’t lose either, he will give him a "trio" of a rooster and two hens.

"I’m reserving my world champion rooster for Manny in his next fight," said Salud. "I know he can beat up Marquez if he prepares himself. Now, I’m giving him one of my champion roosters, a winner in the Araneta derbies. In the US, trios are bought from $1,000 to $10,000. They’re for breeding."

Salud said three years ago, he gave former world champion Gerry Penalosa’s brother-in-law a trio which later bred several champion roosters in General Santos derbies.