Argentine makes case for Pacquiao bout

MANILA, Philippines – Shortly after Ruslan Provodnikov called out Manny Pacquiao for a showdown, it’s Luis Carlos Abregu’s turn to step forward and challenge the Filipino icon to a duel.

Abregu, a 30-year-old welterweight contender from Argentina, said it’s his time to shine. That means going for big names like Pacquiao.

“Since last year (winning the WBC silver title against Antonin Decarie), I've been waiting for my chance and now is the moment to prove why I'm on the top of the rankings,” he said in a World Boxing News report.

Abregu indeed has a chance to win the Pacquiao sweepstakes, being included in the shortlist of candidates for the fighting congressman’s next bout. He is not without competition though, as Provodnikov, Amir Khan and Danny Garcia have also lined up for a shot at Pacquiao.

Juan Manuel Marquez is also an option, but the Mexican remains non-committal in a rematch with Pacquiao, who is booked to fight on Nov. 23 in Macau.

So far, Provodnikov and Abregu are the first to publicly express desire to face Pacquiao, currently the WBO welterweight champion.

“I hope to be the one picked for the Pacquiao fight,” Abregu continued.

Abregu sports a record of 36-1, with 29 knockouts, his lone defeat coming at the hands of recent Pacquiao victim Timothy Bradley. But since that loss, he has gone on a seven-fight winning streak, including a knockout victory over Antonin Decarie in 2013 for the WBC Silver welterweight title.

He insists his time has arrived.

“I deserve my chance for the world championship title against Pacquiao, or any big name at 147 lbs., as I am working hard to be ready for when my opportunity comes,” Abregu ended.