By Mark Vester

 

WBC lightweight champion Edwin Valero (25-0, 25KOs) says that a fight with Manny Pacquiao is a lock to happen in the future. As part of his deal to sign a promotional contract with Top Rank, Valero was guaranteed a crack at Pacquiao down the line and says the only way the fight won't happen is if Pacquiao retires.

 

"My fight with Manny Pacquiao is signed. It was one of the conditions that I gave to my manager, Jose Castillo, for me to sign with Bob Arum. This is something that he has not revealed to the press because the fight is not mandatory, in case Pacquiao walks away. But that is the only way to avoid the fight, if he leaves boxing. So I am relaxed and working to build my name for my opportunity. It was something was spoken about with Pacquiao and he said yes. That was in January," Valero said to SNOV.

 

Valero says that he will put up a much better fight than Ricky Hatton, who was stopped by Pacquiao in two rounds last Saturday in Las Vegas.

 

"For now I imagine that they are going to fight the winner of Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez, but none of those fighters have the power to surpass his defense. II would be able to offer a much better fight than the one Hatton did.  I only hope that Pacquiao gives me the opportunity.  I would have no problem in moving up in weight to fight him," Valero said. 

 

Valero is scheduled to return on July 25 in Mexico. His rumored opponent is Breidis Prescott, but he would rather face Joel Casamayor or Juan Diaz.

 

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