Pacman relishes underdog tag vs Solis

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Manny Pacquiao always liked being called the underdog. And here’s no exception.

"I’m still the underdog," said the 28-year-old slugger Sunday evening as he moved closer toward his April 14 showdown with undefeated Mexican Jorge Solis at the Alamodome.

Solis has gone undefeated in 32 pro fights and has won 23 of them by way of knockout. Pacquiao, on the other hand, has a ring record of 43 wins with 34 KOs, three defeats and two draws.

Solis said he prepared long and hard in the Mexican mountains of Otomi and, in a recent interview, said that he’s ready to shock the world by turning the tables on Pacquiao.

Pacquiao has won nine of his last 11 fights, losing only once to Erik Morales in March of 2005 and drawing once against Juan Manuel Marquez in May of 2004.

Pacquiao was the underdog when he faced Marco Antonio Barrera in November of 2004 also at the Alamodome where he pulled off an 11th round knockout for probably the biggest win of his career.

This time, back at the Alamodome, he wants to wear that same tag.

But none of the oddsmakers would say so. In fact, they’ve placed Pacquiao as the overwhelming favorite in that a bet of $850 would yield a dividend of just $100.

Notes: Cris Aquino, the bubbly businessman from San Juan, will once again carry and wave the Philippine flag on the ring during the fight introduction. It will be the nth time that the gun enthusiast, a close friend of Pacquiao, will act as flag-bearer. He is coming in three days before the fight… Regine Velasquez, also known as "Asia’s Songbird," will sing the Philippine national anthem on Saturday at Alamodome. It will be the first time that the sultry singer will play the role, next only to Lani Misalucha, Dessa, Jennifer Bautista and just recently Sarah Geronimo. – Abac Cordero