By Rey Danseco
 
BOBBY Pacquiao is being considered as a possible opponent for Mexico’s Marco Antonio Barrera, because reigning IBF lightweight champion Jesus “Matador” Chavez pulled out from an injury. Barrera needs to fill a hole for his scheduled bout on March 25 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions, mentioned to Mexico's most respected sports newspaper Organizacion, Editorial Mexicana, that his intentions were to either tap Pacquaio, younger brother of Manny, or WBA lightweight king Juan Diaz to fight Barrera.

“For now they are possibilities, but we are not able to confirm who is going to fight Barrera,” said De La Hoya.

The Chavez-Barrera title was officially postponed after Chavez suffered a torn muscle in his left bicep during training, an injury that will require surgery. The receovery time is estimated at around six months, according to Chavez's manager, Lou Mesorano.

If Pacquiao agrees, the bout will be set for a non-title fight scheduled for 10-rounds and it will give Barrera a chance to avenge his shameful 11th round TKO loss to older brother Manny in November of 2003. Against Diaz, De La Hoya is hoping the 22-year old American nicknamed “Baby Bull” will put his WBA 135-lb throne on the line despite the short notice.

De La Hoya stated that they are constantly talking to all parties, hoping to give Barrera a chance to see action in the main event of his card at the MGM Grand after coming off a hard training camp for his anticipated attempt to capture his fourth world title in his fourth weight division.

Pacquiao’s Filipino manager Rex “Wakee” Salud hasn’t received any communication from De La Hoya.

In an interview yesterday, the Cebu City-based manager said what they are expecting will be a rematch against former IBF super featherweight king Carlos “El Famoso” Hernandez of West Covena, California. The remacth is set to take place sometime in April.

“Hindi pa final sa April,” said Salud referring to the bout against Hernandez, who took a split decision loss to Pacquiao over 10 rounds on Oct. 8 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Aside from being WBC Continental Americas super featherweight king, Pacquiao is currently rated No. 11 both by WBA and WBC in super featherweight division and hasn’t fought over 131-lb in his career.