No fight in sight for restless Pacquiao

With US-based promoter Murad Muhammad still has to hook up with business manager Rod Nazario in Florida, Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao remains in a quandary whether he would still fight this year or not, still unable to land a big fight worthy of his caliber.

"It is hard to concentrate and train when you do not know who you will face next," said Pacquiao, now becoming restless day by day.

Murad and Nazario hold the key to Pacquiao’s next bout but the two haven’t gotten in touch with each other although there were reports that they would soon announce a definite fight itinerary for the General Santos native.

Nazario flew to the East Coast with his wife, Supreme Court Justice Minita Chico-Nazario, on Friday from Los Angeles to visit a son in Orlando, Florida. Muhammad was expected to meet him there to discuss pertinent details of his next fight.

With the Marco Antonio Barrera-Erik Morales fight on with the staging of the press conference Saturday in Las Vegas, Pacquiao’s list of possible opponents has dwindled with Scott Harrison also signifying his intention to take on the Filipino southpaw.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao will be traveling to Las Vegas to watch the Oscar De La Hoya-Bernard Hopkins fight on Saturday.

Of special importance to Pacquiao is the championship match between IBF and WBA featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez and mandatory challenger Orlando Salido in the main supporting bout.

Ironically, Pacquiao wants no upset to happen.

"I still want Marquez to win so that he can face me in the near future," said Pacquiao, aching to settle the controversial draw with the Mexican once and for all and "uno mas" (one more time).

Pacquiao could have won by a split decision over Marquez last May had judge Burt Clements correctly scored the first round (10-7) correctly for Pacquiao who knocked Marquez three times. The score should have been 10-6.

Pacquiao also said that he is itching to trade punches with Morales or even Barrera. In the event of a Morales win over Barrera, he would still give Barrera a rematch but only after he deals with Morales first.

"Barrera deserves a second chance. He gave me the opportunity to show the world what I was made of and a rematch is just proper, especially if he wins over Morales," said Pacquiao.

Pacquiao’s inactivity has also made trainer Freddie Roach wonder why a man of his ward’s stature and popularity has had problems to book fights.

"There is a problem somewhere," said Roach, who, in his experience, said that it was highly unusual to have Pacquiao remain inactive and fight only twice a year. "One of the best fighters in the world, pound-for-pound, should easily get fights and not appear like he is begging for one."