Nazario worried but Salud says no problem

Manny Pacquiao’s former business manager Rod Nazario underwent a quadruple open heart bypass surgery at the Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa yesterday but before the operation, he seemed more worried about the fighter than his own condition.

Nazario, who turned 71 last Sept. 12, said if reports from the US are accurate, Pacquiao should’ve held off signing a promotional contract with Oscar de la Hoya until after his fight against Erik Morales in Las Vegas on Nov. 18.

Ramon (Moy) Lainez, a boxing expert and co-owner of the L&M Gym in downtown Manila, spoke with Nazario the day before the operation and said he called the reported signing "untimely" and "ill-advised."

"If it’s a poker game, Manny has all the aces so why show his cards before it’s time?" wondered Lainez. "Now, (Bob) Arum is threatening to sue Manny and that will only be a distraction during his training for Morales."

But former World Boxing Council (WBC) secretary-general and lawyer Rudy Salud told The STAR in his legal opinion, Pacquiao did nothing wrong in signing a promotional agreement with de la Hoya for future bouts.

"Arum threatening to sue Manny is without basis," said Salud. "It is a distorted interpretation of Manny’s contract against Morales that he cannot do anything to jeopardize or interfere in the promotion of the fight. I think it is extending the imagination to insist that Manny is jeopardizing the promotion of his fight against Morales by signing with de la Hoya for future fights."

Salud explained that in a fight contract, there is usually a stipulation prohibiting a fighter from signing another contract for another fight against another opponent until after the original fight is held. The provision is to protect the promoter’s interest and to make sure there are no impediments in staging the original fight.

"Even the Games and Amusements Board fight contract has this stipulation to protect a promoter," said Salud. "Manny did nothing to jeopardize his fight against Morales on Nov. 18 because he signed a promotional agreement for the future. There’s nothing wrong with that and I don’t think Manny has anything to worry about in case of a suit from Arum."

Boxing scholar Hermie Rivera agreed with Salud, saying Pacquiao has had no promoter anyway since dismissing Gary Shaw this year. Rivera said Arum is the promoter of the Nov. 18 fight and not of Pacquiao so there should be no restriction in Pacquiao coming to terms with another promoter for future fights.

Lainez said Pacquiao’s former US promoter Murad Muhammad phoned long distance the other day to express alarm over the agreement with de la Hoya.

Muhammad is arranging, through Nazario, for Filipino fighters Florante Condes and Bernabe Concepcion to see action in a Nov. 10 card featuring Evander Holyfield in San Antonio, Texas.

According to Lainez, Muhammad said with Pacquiao joining de la Hoya’s camp, Arum will move heaven and earth to make sure Morales wins and the only way out is for the Pacman to score a knockout. Muhammad mentioned that Arum is too influential in Las Vegas.

Salud, however, said Muhammad’s apprehension may be exaggerated. "I realize Arum is influential but I don’t think there is reason to doubt the integrity of the judges, referee and the Nevada State Athletic Commission," said Salud. Lainez said in a close fight, Morales will likely win on points because it’s an Arum promotion and that’s the reality of boxing.

"Arum promotes Morales, not Manny," said Lainez. "If Morales fights Barrera-style, Manny will have to go after him. It’s difficult to knock out Morales with one punch so Manny will have to land consistently. The way I see it, Manny can only win by knockout."

Lainez said Pacquiao has always idolized de la Hoya and dreamed of becoming like the Golden Boy, managing and promoting fighters. That’s why Pacquiao set up MP Promotions and agreed to buy the two-storey, 300 square meter L&M gym for P8 Million.

Lainez said it’s possible that Arum is bluffing in threatening to sue Pacquiao. "I’m wondering if there is really a provision in the contract that prohibits Manny from signing a promotional agreement for future fights," said Lainez. "I don’t think it’s relevant. It’s not a necessary condition."

Lainez said Nazario thought it would’ve been less stressful if Manny signed with de la Hoya after the Morales fight.

Lainez said Pacquiao also has the problem of paying $485,000 to former manager Marty Elorde and lawyer Sydney Hall. A US court has ordered the garnishment of the amount from Pacquiao’s purse in the Morales fight.

"From what I know, Manny agreed to settle out of court and pay $200,000 but no payment was ever made," said Lainez. "Manny is furious and now wants to counter sue. The suit shouldn’t have been against Manny but since he agreed to a settlement, he’s now in the picture."

Lainez said Nazario hopes despite the recent developments, Pacquiao will not lose his focus in training because he has to be in tip-top condition for Morales.