Valero says he has right to fight Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines - Venezuelan lightweight champ and knockout artist Edwin Valero pressed his bid for a crack at Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, saying his promotional pact with Top Rank guarantees a showdown with the world’s pound-for-pound king.

The WBC lightweight champion, unbeaten in 25 fights, also claimed that Pacquiao had previously assured him of a matchup in the future, according to BoxingScene.com.

“My fight with Manny Pacquiao is signed. It was one of the conditions that I gave to my manager, Jose Castillo, for me to sign with Bob Arum (Top Rank),” Boxing Scene’s Mark Vester, quoting Valero’s statement from SNOV, said.

Valero’ s name has not been mentioned among those being groomed as Pacquiao’s next foe after the latter demolished British hero Ricky Hatton in two rounds to claim the IBO light-welterweight crown last weekend. Aside from former pound-for-pound champion Mayweather and old rival Marquez, the Pacquiao camp is eyeing Miguel Cotto in a 147-lb showdown.

Valero insisted that the only way Pacquiao could walk away from their clash would be to retire.

“This is something that he (Arum) has not revealed to the press because the fight is not mandatory, in case Pacquiao walks away. But that is the only way to avoid the fight, if he leaves boxing. So I am relaxed and working to build my name for my opportunity. It was something that was spoken about with Pacquiao and he said yes. That was in January,” Valero said.

Valero, one of Pacquiao’s guests during his 30th birthday bash in General Santos City, said only he can give the Filipino champion a run for his money when it comes to power - not Ricky Hatton, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. or Juan Manuel Marquez.

“For now I imagine that they are going to fight the winner of Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez, but none of those fighters have the power to surpass his defense. I would be able to offer a much better fight than the one Hatton did. I only hope that Pacquiao gives me the opportunity. I would have no problem in moving up in weight (light-welterweight) to fight him,” Valero said.