By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym, the IBF Pan Pacific featherweight champion who was knocked out in the first round by Manny Pacquiao on October 26, 2002 but avenged the defeat somewhat by scoring a ninth round KO over Bobby Pacquiao , the Ring Magazine featherweight champion’s younger brother last February 18, is lined up for a mandatory title shot against IBF and WBA champion Juan Manuel Marquez sometime in August. Fahprakorb is now being handled by international promoter Murad Muhammad.
Fahprakorb earned the title shot after Pacquiao’s manager Shelly Finkel asked the IBF to remove the Filipino southpaw from the 126 pound division since he will campaign as a super featherweight. The removal of Pacquiao enabled Fahprakorb to be in line as the next available contender for the mandatory title defense of Marquez. In a letter to the handlers of Marquez headed by Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, Lindsey Tucker said negotiations should begin immediately and since the mandatory falls due on June 18.
With Pacquiao’s decision to remain in the 130 pound division and Marquez’ desire to hang on to his two featherweight belts, chances of a much-awaited rematch between Pacquiao and Marquez who fought to a draw in May 2004 appear slim unless Marquez moves up in weight.
Fahprakorb is managed by Jimmy Chaichotchuang who also manages Fahsan 3K Battery who suffered a fourth round KO at the hands of Pacquiao last December 11 in the celebrated “Yanig sa Taguig” at The Fort. Fahprakorb has a record of 50-3 with33 KO’s and scored a third round KO in his last fight on April 22 against Romualdo Mahinay. Marquez has a record of 44-2 with 33 KO’s and scored a lopsided unanimous decision over Victor Polo in his last title defense on May 7.
