Pacman accepts Barrera challenge

Manny Pacquiao has agreed to fight Marco Antonio Barrera next year, preferably in April, to give the Mexican the chance to avenge his loss to the Filipino boxing icon three years ago.

"The World Boxing Council sent me a letter and said it will be a mandatory fight for Barrera," said Pacquiao in Filipino in an interview with TV Patrol. "I am ready to fight the guy and give him the chance to even things up ."

Pacquiao broke into world boxing stage when he demolished Barrera in a sensational 11-round knockout victory at the Alamodome in Texas three years ago.

But Barrera rose from that defeat to beat Erik Morales in their trilogy. He is the current holder of the WBC super featherweight crown.

Pacquiao also dominated Morales, beating the three-time former world champion twice this year but has no title to boast of.

The WBC has recently ordered the camps of Barrera and Pacquiao to start negotiations regarding the Mexican’s mandated defense of his WBC super-featherweight crown against the Filipino superstar.

The WBC said the handlers of the two fighters should act as soon as possible. If no agreement is reached, the boxing council will be forced to conduct a purse bid in Mexico City on Jan. 12 next year.

"I would prefer to fight him in April," said Pacquiao.

The 28-year-old Gen. Santos native, meanwhile, is hopeful that his problem with the Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank would end soon so as to pave the way for his preparation for the Barrera rematch.

Golden Boy and Top Rank both have "contractual claims" over Pacquiao. — Dante Navarro