Seven-division titlist and WBO welterweight (147 pounds) champion Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines has vowed that he will be fighting in honor of "John Arum and the entire Arum family" when he faces ex-champion Antonio Margarito on Nov. 13 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium for the WBC's vacant junior middleweight (154 pounds) title.
The 31-year-old Pacqauiao (51-3-2, 38 knockouts), who will be after his eighth crown in as many different weight classes, is dedicating the HBO pay per view televised bout in posthumous memory of the 49-year-old son of his promoter, Top Rank Promotions' CEO Bob Arum.
"Manny asked me to go to Las Vegas and tell Bob personally, which I did," said Pacquiao's adviser, Michael Koncz.
An environmental attorney based in Seattle who was an avid hiker, John Arum died last week, his body being found following a five-day search in the Storm King Mountains of Washington, State.Rangers who discovered John Arum believe that he died after a fall during a hike in the North Cascades National Park.
"John was an [environmental] lawyer who fought for the people in the same way that I fight for the people of the Philippines," said Pacquiao, who has a 12-bout winning streak that includes eight knockouts. "Bob Arum is my promoter and my friend. I want to do this for the entire Arum family."
Pacquiao is in the Philippines training with four-time Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach in preparation for the 32-year-old Margarito (38-6, 27 KOs) before heading for the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, Calif.
"I will do my best against Margarito," said Pacquiao. "He is bigger and stronger."
Source: boxing.fanhouse.com
Manny vs Antonio this is a great challenge for the both of them. Both are at the peaks of their career. Antonio is good, but Manny has already proven that he is unbeatable, fearless, skillful and a great giant killer. Antonio is the last great Mexican world champion standing. When Manny beats Margarito like other great Mexican champions, he will be considered the best in the world. With this fight there is no question that Manny will shatter Oscars vs Floyd’s record ppv of 2.44 million. Its time to shock the world again. I would think that Pacquiao would take early rounds with his speed and proven ability to get inside bigger men with footwork and head movement. However Pacquiao has been hurt by fighters with far less power than Margarito like Juan Manuel Marquez and eventually Manny would slow down or Antonio would catch him and overwhelm the smaller man. I haven’t seen margarito fights but If he’s that good. I don’t think pacman will back down a fight against margarito. Pacquiao is the kind of fighter who likes to fight stronger opponents. He likes to be the underdog. Just like when he first fought barrera when he (barrera) was on his prime (2003).The challenge like this will make pacman more excited more motivated to train harder to become the best boxer that he can be.
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