Pacquiao won’t last, foe says

It will be a question of stamina when Filipino champion Manny Pacquiao stakes his WBC international super-bantamweight crown against Australia-based Lebanese challenger Nadel Hussein in their "Encounter in Antipolo" Saturday at the Ynares Sports Center.

"Pacquiao is a good fighter, but I think he’s good only for three or four rounds," said Hussein, after reviewing his rival’s recent fights which lasted only four rounds at the most.

"He‘s really very strong but what about his stamina? Can he last for eight or 10 rounds?" asked Hussein after yesterday’s press preview of the keenly-awaited duel staged by Elorde International Productions.

Pacquiao, who vowed to stop his challenger also via the short route, has won his last three inside the distance, beating Reynante Jamili in two, Arnel Barotillo in four and Korean Seung Kwon Chae in one.

But Hussein insisted he has the edge, stressing "I can last even if the fight goes the distance."

The blockbuster event, supported by Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares, Jr., San Miguel Beer, Pagcor, Elorde Sports Center, Seven Suites Hotel Observatory, Mobil City Trading, Inc., Cocoplans Pension and Education Plans, Lending Enterprise, Golden Flash Security Agency and Royal Palm Hotel (Manila), marks the first time Antipolo City plays host to a championship boxing fight.

The undercard also includes equally-explosive matches with Manny Melchor defending WBC international minimumweight crown against Zarlit Rodrigo, and Randy Mangubat battling Korean Jong Wan Kim for the vacant WBC international flyweight title.

The fight will be telecast over IBC 13 on a delayed basis starting at 10 p.m.