Pacquiao hopes to stop unbeaten Aussie

Despite a rigid three-month training, Manny Pacquiao will definitely have his hands full when he stakes his WBC International super-bantamweight crown against undefeated Australian Nadel Hussein on Saturday at the Yñares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

"This is a good fight because he is good and undefeated but I will do my best to win this fight," said the 21-year-old Pacquiao in Pilipino during yesterday’s well-attended PSA Sports Forum at the Holiday Inn Hotel.

Pacquiao, who briefly held the WBC flyweight crown in 1997 before losing the title to a Thai fighter, said he has trained non-stop for Saturday’s bout which could eventually lead the stylish, left-handed Filipino fighter into another crack at a world title.

Pacquiao has a professional ring record 29 wins and two losses with 25 knockouts. Hussein, 22, a Lebanese who was born and raised in Australia, appeared confident about his chances against Pacquiao whom he described as a "strong fighter but is good only after three or four rounds." Also gracing the forum were the members of the Philippine team to the Sydney Paralympics on Oct. 18 to 29. Two Filipinos will compete for the gold – javelin thrower Andres Lubin and powerlifter Adeline Dumapong.

"It is our wish to go beyond the barriers and win a gold here. But there is another mission here and that is to gain the experience for the athletes, and the knowledge on the proper technique and equipment," said Philspada head Mike Barredo.

Hussein, who turned pro after failing to make the Australian team to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, has won all his 19 pro fights, including 11 knockouts. He has knocked out three of five Filipino fighters, his latest victim being Allan Visayas last year.

The former Australian amateur champion nothing – not even the Filipino crowd – can stop him from winning, adding that he doesn’t mind at all if the fight dubbed "Encounter sa Antipolo" lasts the distance as long as he comes out victorious.

"I’m going to win," he declared. "So far, that’s all I know. If I win on points I’d be happy but if I knock him out then I’d be happier. I don’t care if its five or 12 rounds as long as I win. That’s what I came here for. Not for a holiday but for a victory."

Saturday’s undercard includes Randy Mangubat’s bout against South Korean Jong Wan Kim for the vacant WBC International flyweight crown. Mangubat graced the forum along with his Japanese manager Yuki Murayama.

Manny Melchor, at 31 trying to stretch his boxing career, will defend his WBC International minimumweight crown against countryman Zarlit Rodrigo. Melchor last defended the title by beating Mongolia’s Shinebar Sukbatar four months ago.