By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Bobby Pacquiao, the younger brother of Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao will fight veteran Kevin “Flushing Flash” Kelley on the undercard of the explosive showdown between WBO 140 pound champion Miguel Cotto and unbeaten challenger Paulie Malignaggi at famed Madison Square Garden on June 10.
Pacquiao’s manager, well-known promoter and boxing personality Rex “Wakee” Salud disclosed that Pacquiao’s purse would be $65,000 and he felt that it was a better fight for Pacquiao compared to the previously planned battle with deadly Joan Guzman. Salud said “this is a good break for Bobby.” He noted that there were a number of Filipino boxers who “have a good chance” of becoming champions “if they train hard and stay disciplined.”
Salud told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that Top Rank had offered Pacquiao a three year contract with a guarantee of four fights a year but he would first discuss the offer with his partner Manny Pacquiao before making any commitments. Salud said Bobby Pacquiao who is ranked No. 11 in the latest IBF ratings could get a shot at the title currently held by Marco Antonio Barrera should he overcome Kelley.
The 38 year old Kelley is coming off a rousing second round KO over talented Juan Carlos Ramirez of Mexico last February 17 while Pacquiao’s last fight saw him score a highly controversial split decision over former world champion Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez which infuriated Top Rank owner Bob Arum. Kelley has a record of 58-6-2 with 39 knockouts while Pacquiao’s record is 26-11-3 with 11 KO’s. Kelley won the North American Boxing Federation title with a majority decision over Humberto Soto on July 13, 2002. Pacquiao is the WBC Continental Americas champion. Both fighters are southpaws.
Salud said the younger Pacquiao would train in Cebu for some time before leaving for the US to train under the celebrated Freddie Roach at his Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles.