Nazario says Manny should go lightweight

If Manny Pacquiao heeds his former business manager Rod Nazario’s advice, he’ll avoid fighting WBC superfeatherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez and invade the 135-pound division to find his next opponent.

“I told Manny after he fought Marquez three years ago to stay away from that guy again,” said Nazario in a Star interview yesterday. “Marquez is too good a counterpuncher. When Manny comes in to throw his 1-2, he won’t be able to get back out. Babad siya sa loob. Marquez is dangerous against a fighter like Manny who charges in.”

But if Pacquiao insists on facing Marquez, Nazario said he should train as seriously as he did for his first bout against Marco Antonio Barrera in 2003.

“The best condition I’ve seen Manny in was when he trained for the first Barrera fight,” said Nazario. “He was in great shape. If Manny doesn’t train hard for Marquez, he’ll lose.”

Nazario said Pacquiao doesn’t need Marquez as much as Marquez needs him.

“The world title doesn’t mean anything today,” said Nazario. “If Manny wants a world title, he can go up to lightweight and fight either Juan or David Diaz. Why risk fighting Marquez when Manny can get as much or higher fighting somebody else?”

Juan Diaz is the WBA, IBF and WBO lightweight champion while David Diaz is recognized by the WBC.

Besides, Nazario said it looks like Pacquiao has outgrown the 130-pound ranks.

“Manny had difficulty making the weight for his last fight against Barrera,” continued Nazario. “Manny’s body isn’t what it was before. He’s turning 29. It’s not like he’s still 24 or 25. I think Manny’s now at his peak although he wasn’t too impressive in his last fight. But that’s not his fault. Barrera didn’t come to fight.”

Nazario said the time is ripe for Pacquiao to challenge the Diazes.

“Manny can choose between Juan or David,” said Nazario. “Either one will do. Both are easy to hit. You can throw in (WBC interim lightweight titlist) Joel Casamayor who I’m sure will go down when Manny hits him.”

Nazario said once Pacquiao moves up to lightweight, it’s unlikely he’ll ever slide back to superfeatherweight. “If Manny goes lightweight, you can forget about Marquez, Joan Guzman or Humberto Soto,” said  Nazario. “There’s no problem finding an opponent for Manny because everybody wants him. Manny’s the ticket to a big purse. He should get at least $2 or 2 1/2 or 3 million for any fight whether it’s against Marquez or Diaz. So if that’s his going rate for any fight, why bother with Marquez?”

But boxing guru Ramon (Moy) Lainez, a Nazario associate, said Pacquiao should fight Marquez before jumping to lightweight.

“Right now, Manny’s not thinking about a world title because the purse is what counts,” said Lainez. “But later, he’ll realize it’s important to get a belt. It’s different when you’re recognized as a world champion.”

Lainez said Pacquiao had trouble making the weight for his last fight because his training was half-baked in Cebu.

“It’s different when you train in the US,” said Lainez. “I think Manny can still make 130. If he can get a good purse against Marquez, he should take that fight. Marquez has deteriorated since he fought Manny while Manny has improved about 20 to 30 percent. If Manny trains hard, there’s no way Marquez can beat him.”

Lainez said Pacquiao’s biggest opponent is himself.

“He’s not getting any younger,” said Lainez. “He has to cut down on his extracurriculars. He has to take care of his body. To beat Marquez, he has to be in top condition.”

Lainez said after disposing of Marquez, Pacquiao should challenge David – not Juan –Diaz.

“David is made to order for Manny,” said Lainez. “He doesn’t back down. Juan is a tougher opponent because he throws a lot of punches. If Manny isn’t able to bring up his power to lightweight and Juan can take his punches, it’ll be a very hard fight. But I think Manny will still be strong at 135. Remember that he was able to bring up his power from flyweight to superfeatherweight.”