By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Despite the pronouncements of Top Rank promoter Bob Arum that he was working on a rematch between Manny Pacquiao and legendary Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera on September 15 in Las Vegas, it can’t happen according to Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer.
To begin, Marquez (47-3-1, 35 KO’s) is now set to fight the exciting Jorge “La Hiena” Barrios of Argentina (47-3-1, 34 KP’s) on the same date announced by Arum, September 15, at the plush MGM Grand. The bout will take place on HBO pay-per-view.
Schaefer informed Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that Barrera wants to do “an easy fight next” coming off his tough and classic battle against Marquez when he lost his WBC super featherweight title by a unanimous decision on March 17.
Schaefer also made it clear, despite claims to the contrary by Arum who is remembered for his classic statement - yesterday I was lying, today I am telling the truth – that Barrera has “several fights left with us (Golden Boy)” although Arum has spread the word that Barrera is tied down for only one more fight and wanted a rematch with Pacquiao to avenge his November 2003 demolition in San Antonio, Texas.
Even a Filipino boxing writer who is part of the reported ten-man entourage of Pacquiao which includes his lawyer Franklin “Jeng” Gacal and friend and sometime confidant Rex “Wakee” Salud, quotes sources as saying that Pacquiao is being offered $10 million to fight Barrera which is regarded as “unreal”.
It was noted that when he fought undefeated but unknown Jorge Solis in San Antonio last April, Pacquiao announced his purse was only $2 million while the PPV telecast was a virtual flop and according to Schaefer didn’t do fifty percent of the buys for the Marquez–Barrera title fight despite Arum’s insistence that Marquez can’t draw the fans.
Schaefer informed Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today right after he finalized the Marquez-Barrios fight that the fight card was being billed “Fireworks” because that’s what its going to be.”
Schaefer also disclosed that there would be some excellent bouts on the undercard of the four-fight pay-per-view telecast by HBO.
