Pacquiao targets Mayweather

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Pacquiao targets Mayweather

Pol Gen Kovid praises Filipino superstar

Published: 26/05/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: Sports

Manny Pacquiao is backing Floyd Mayweather Jr to beat Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18 and then wants a match with the self-styled "Pretty Boy" to prove who is the best boxer in the world.

Pol General Kovid Bhakdibhumi presents Manny Pacquiao with an award at yesterday’s press conference. SOMCHAI POOMLARD

Pacquiao revealed his intentions yesterday in an exclusive interview with the Bangkok Post, ahead of a press conference at the Intercontinental Hotel.

The Filipino, who was in the Thai capital on a one-day promotional tour for San Miguel beer, believes Mayweather Jr will prove too much for the Mexican in their welterweight showdown.

"Mayweather has a lot of advantages," said the 30-year-old.

"He is faster than Marquez and should be able to win.

"If he does then I'd like to fight him, although that is down to my promotional team."

Pound-for-pound king Pacquiao said he was willing to take the match at any weight between 140-145lbs.

The former flyweight champion recently knocked out Britain's Ricky Hatton at light-welterweight (140lb) but went up to 145lb to defeat Oscar de la Hoya last December.

Pol General Kovid Bhakdibhumi, who is also a vice-president of the WBC, paid tribute to Pacquiao's achievements and presented him with an award.

"Manny Pacquiao is not just a hero of the Philippines, he is the hero of all Asia," said Pol Gen Kovid.

"He sets a very good example, both in and out of the ring, with the way he conducts himself."

Pacquiao said he hopes to return to Thailand for a longer stay in the future and had a special message for any young boxers dreaming of emulating him.

"They should stay focused, keep training as hard as they can and believe in God," he said.

About the author

Writer: JULIAN TURNER

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tHAI-Me

Discussion 3 : 27/05/2009 at 10:55 PM3
They're right, let us praise Pacquiao for his achievements, he's the only Asian boxer ever well knowned all over the world, and we Thai's as well as the entire Asian nation countries should be very proud from his accomplishments. Hoping more Asian fighters well uprise and have a determination to try, work hard for success.
GO MANNY PACQUAIO! we salute you...
blade

Discussion 2 : 27/05/2009 at 08:22 AM2
pacquiao had the same problems before..and he made the bold move of disposing off those who he sees as clogging his career.

i really hope thai boxers break in as well into the world stage. this will add thrill and excitement into the sport.
A boxing fan

Discussion 1 : 26/05/2009 at 02:59 PM1
Pacquiao shows that an Asian boxer can fight with the best. Thailand have had a few boxers as good as Pacquiao, but our promoters have shied away from letting them taking on the best, especially on the world stage. Khaosai, Samson, to name a few, could have achieved the same fame and stature as Pacquiao, were they to fight more worthy opponents. Hopefully, Pacquiao's success will embolden our promoters.

tHAI-Me

Discussion 3 : 27/05/2009 at 10:55 PM3

They're right, let us praise Pacquiao for his achievements, he's the only Asian boxer ever well knowned all over the world, and we Thai's as well as the entire Asian nation countries should be very proud from his accomplishments. Hoping more Asian fighters well uprise and have a determination to try, work hard for success.
GO MANNY PACQUAIO! we salute you...

blade

Discussion 2 : 27/05/2009 at 08:22 AM2

pacquiao had the same problems before..and he made the bold move of disposing off those who he sees as clogging his career.

i really hope thai boxers break in as well into the world stage. this will add thrill and excitement into the sport.

A boxing fan

Discussion 1 : 26/05/2009 at 02:59 PM1

Pacquiao shows that an Asian boxer can fight with the best. Thailand have had a few boxers as good as Pacquiao, but our promoters have shied away from letting them taking on the best, especially on the world stage. Khaosai, Samson, to name a few, could have achieved the same fame and stature as Pacquiao, were they to fight more worthy opponents. Hopefully, Pacquiao's success will embolden our promoters.

Pacquiao targets Mayweather