Barrera wants rematch, wary over Pacman row

World Boxing Council super featherweight champion Marco Antonio Barrera on Saturday said he hopes Manny Pacquiao’s contractual dispute with promoters Top Rank and Golden Boy be settled the soonest possible time for him to step up his buildup for their keenly-awaited rematch early next year.

Although Barrera has a couple of fighters lined up for his next fight, the Mexican champion has preferred to take on Pacquiao for his title defense on March 17, most probably at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

"This matter should be resolved immediately, since I need to know who will be my opponent to plan my preparation," said Barrera in an interview with Mexican paper Esto En Linea.

Barrera, also handled at Oscar dela Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, is itching to get back on Pacquiao, who demolished him via a thrilling 11-round knockout win at the Alamodome in 2003.

But for the Filipino icon to get a crack at the WBC crown, Barrera said Pacquiao should settle his problems first to pave the way for their rematch.

Pacquiao, 28, signed a seven-fight pact with Golden Boy last Sept. 19 in Los Angeles prior to his rubber match with Erik Morales, whom he stopped in just three rounds. But the Filipino fighter also signed up with Top Rank for a four-year contract right after.

Top Rank’s Bob Arum, who promoted the Pacquiao-Morales III, said that under the contract for the third fight, Pacquiao cannot sign up with any other promoter until after the Nov. 18 bout, making the Filipino southpaw’s deal with Golden Boy illegal. — Dante Navarro