Manny Pacquaio may join Golden Boy Promotions

Bidding war for Pacquiao looms By Joaquin Henson The Philippine Star 10/09/2004 With the contracts of his management and promotional teams expiring in a few months, consensus world featherweight boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is in an enviable position. He’s a prize catch and bidders are expected to make astronomical offers to sign the 25-year-old General Santos City southpaw. In fact, Pacquiao’s registered manager Marty Elorde disclosed the other day that even Oscar de la Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions has expressed interest in representing Pacquiao in the US. Pacquiao victim Marco Antonio Barrera is a Golden Boy fighter. It was actually Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach who told Elorde about de la Hoya’s interest in a long distance telephone conversation. "Disappointed si Freddie kay Murad (Muhammad)," said Elorde, referring to Pacquiao’s US-based promoter. "It’s nothing racial. Sabi ni Freddie, he can’t understand why one of the world’s most exciting fighters can’t get a big fight. He blames Murad for what’s happening to Manny. Disgusted si Manny kay Murad kasi si Murad lang ang nakakaalam kung magkano talagang kinikita ni Manny sa mga laban niya sa US." Pacquiao has reportedly decided not to renew the promotional contract of Muhammad, whose contract is supposed to expire on Feb. 2005. A calculating businessman, Pacquiao is not rushing a decision on whom to align with. No doubt, he’ll carefully evaluate what’s on the table. Elorde beat everyone to the draw and was the first to call in his bid for a renewal. Elorde has offered a P5 Million signing bonus and an increase in Pacquiao’s monthly allowance from P10,000 to P20,000. Elorde’s contract finishes on Feb. 5 next year. Business manager Rod Nazario’s contract also expires that day. There is some confusion as to when New Jersey promoter Murad Muhammad’s contract closes out, Elorde said it ends when his and Nazario’s contracts lapse. But Nazario’s associate Ramon (Moy) Lainez was sure Muhammad’s contract will expire at the end of this year. Regardless of when Muhammad’s contract will end, Elorde and Lainez agreed it is terminable immediately because of failure to deliver on a six-fight, $2.5 million commitment for two years. Lainez said he wouldn’t be surprised if Don King, Bob Arum and Lou DiBella try to outbid each other for Pacquiao’s US promotional rights. Elorde said he spoke to Pacquiao, now vacationing in General Santos City with wife Jinkee and their two sons, the other day about his offer. "Wala pang decision si Manny, pagiisipan daw niya," said Elorde. "No commitments so far. I’m sure he’s waiting for other offers. Okay lang. That’s good for Manny. He deserves the highest bid kasi he worked hard to get to where he is now." Elorde said the Japanese partners who put up the money for Pacquiao’s contract five years ago will no longer be involved in bidding for a renewal. "We’re an all-Filipino group now," continued Elorde. "And we’re prepared to make a better offer if necessary." Elorde took exception to charges that he receives a 30% share in Pacquiao’s purses without doing anything. "May usapan kami ni Mang Rod na I will be consulted in negotiating for Manny’s fights but I’m never consulted," said Elorde. "Tuwing may laban si Manny sa US, sagot ko ang aking plane ticket. Sa laban, nakaupo ako sa bleachers at sila sa ringside. Parang ayaw nila akong kasama." Elorde confided he’s not too optimistic of a renewal and put his chances at 60%. But he said he hopes Pacquiao won’t break away because they’ve been lucky together. "This is between Manny and me, nobody else," he said. "At this stage of Manny’s career, he should be fighting often and earning lots of money. I don’t know what the problem is. Is it Murad or HBO? Manny’s a hot ticket right now but why can’t Murad find an opponent? Frustrated na si Manny. Mahirap mag-training na walang kalaban. Sinasayang ni Murad ang career ni Manny." Elorde confirmed that Pacquiao is set to sever ties with Muhammad once and for all. Regarding Pacquiao’s next fight, Elorde said he’s in the dark."Alam ko, they’re planning a rematch against (Juan Manuel) Marquez in the second week of February — parang pinagkataon nila kasi expired na ang contract ko by that time," said Elorde Pacquiao, meanwhile, is set to fight Gairy St. Claire of Australia in Global City on Dec. 4 as tune-up for his date with Marquez. This was taken from, http://www.philstar.com/philstar/News200410091601.htm I take no credit in article or anything, just spreading this. :D