By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Pan Asian Boxing Association lightweight champion Dennis Laurente will fight Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao’s sparring partner Steve Quinonez on the Pacquiao – David Diaz “Lethal Combination” fight card at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and Casino on June 28.

Michael Koncz who works closely with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum and Pacquiao himself,  told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today in an overseas telephone conversation that the Philippines super featherweight champion Aaron Melgerejo would fight Manny Perez although there were no details on Perez’ background and fight record.

The 30 year old Laurente who won the PABA title with a seventh round TKO over Moses Seran of Indonesia last November 9, 2007 has a record of 28-3-5 with 14 knockouts. He is managed by Johnny Elorde, son of the late Gabriel “Flash” Elorde who reigned as world junior lightweight champion for almost seven-and-a-half years.

Quinonez who is like Laurente a southpaw is 37 years old and has a ring record of 31-12-1 with 10 knockouts. He is regarded as a tough opponent even though he is getting on in years. In his last fight on December 7, 2007 Quinonez lost a unanimous twelve round decision to undefeated Alex de Jesus (15-0, 10 KO’s) in a battle for the WBC and WBO Latino light welterweight titles.

Elorde’s wife Liza said that Laurente would move up to fight Quinonez at 140 pounds. She said he will get his US visa from the American  embassy on Thursday and will leave with her husband Johnny for the US on June 17 or 18.

Melgarejo won the Philippines super featherweight title with a twelve round majority decision over Dodie Boy Agrabio on November 14, 2007.