By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum says that rather than get delayed over obtaining the medical clearance of WBA super featherweight champion Edwin Valero from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, he plans to pit Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao against Humberto Soto (47-7-2, 28 KO's) at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on November 15.

In an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today, Arum said "a lot of people feel we are better off to go to a Soto fight and if Valero gets cleared put him on the undercard. ." At the same time Arum indicated that since he handles Soto, it wouldn't be a problem to make the fight happen. 

Arum indicated that should Pacquiao beat Soto and Valero fights on the card and wins, then he’ll make a Pacquiao-Valero lightweight title fight later on.

Arum said Pacquiao is expected in Las Vegas on July 24 for the blockbuster battle between Miguel Soto and Antonio Margarito and "I will have an opportunity to discuss it further so its not definite that we are going with Valero," contrary to earlier announcements.

The Top Rank promoter who had a series of meetings with Valero’s handler, well-known Japanese businessman-sportsman Akihiko Honda about a Pacquiao title fight was quick to make clear "its not because Valero won’t pass the physical but because maybe its more prudent to go with Soto."

Arum said this was particularly so since "everybody in Mexico is talking about this crazy fight Soto just had" against Francisco Lorenzo in which Soto was disqualified for allegedly hitting Lorenzo at the back of the head when he was down . Arum said "everybody saw what happened and how ridiculous it was. We don’t have to validate how nonsensical it was."

Meantime, World Boxing Council president Don Jose Sulaiman told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that no decision has been made on whether to declare the fight a no-contest and leave the title vacant or as some have suggested award the interim title to Soto and order a mandatory defense against Lorenzo although because of the bad cuts and a broken nose Lorenzo has been barred from fighting by the Nevada State Athletic Commission until December.

The voting is reportedly very close and Sulaiman said he didn’t wish to make any statement and wanted "to wait because this is a very important decision."

Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer informed Viva Sports that neither he not the NSAC Medical Advisory Board have received the medical records of Valero as yet. Arum said he had submitted the records to noted neurosurgeon Michael Seiff and should be find nothing wrong Arum said he would have the eminent neurosurgeon make a presentation to the Commission in support of Valero's bid to secure a license to fight in Las Vegas.