By Ronnie Nathanielsz
BOBBY Pacquiao will take on Mexican Hector Velasquez, the same fighter his brother, Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao demolished in six rounds in September last year in a tune-up fight before his rematch with legendary Mexican Erik “El Terrible” Morales.
The 12-round main event will be staged at the Hard Rock Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas, according to Michael Koncz, who is a member of Bobby’s management team, which includes Manny Pacquiao and his close friend and confidant Rex “Wakee” Salud.
Koncz failed to indicate how it could be a 12-rounder if it was a non-title fight, even for a regional crown.
The younger Pacquiao, whose International Boxing Federation elimination battle with Robbie Peden was reportedly called off because Top Rank could not reach an agreement with the boxer’s handlers.
“Rather than go to a purse bid with the possibility of the fight taking place in Australia, the management team elected not to participate in the elimination bout,” said Koncz.
He added the fight will be televised in the United States by the Versus Network, formerly OLN.
Bobby has been training alongside his brother at the Wild Card Gym of celebrated trainer Freddie Roach since Sept. 19.
Manny said Velasquez was a tough opponent but that Bobby was “training very hard for this fight and will be ready for the challenge.” Manny promised to be a ringside “to give Bobby my encouragement and support.”
