Pacquiao goes up vs Japanese foe

Nedal Hussein has chickened out of a rematch against World Boxing Council (WBC) International superbantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao.

Promoter Gabriel (Bebot) Elorde Jr. told The STAR yesterday that after asking for an increase in his purse to $12,000 and five-star hotel accommodations, Hussein suddenly got cold feet.

The word is Hussein’s manager Jeff Fenech is working on a fight against International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior featherweight titlist Lehlo Ledwaba of South Africa instead. Ledwaba should be a less dangerous opponent than Pacquiao.

After Pacquiao stopped Hussein in the 10th round of their Antipolo brawl last October, Fenech complained to WBC International Championship Committee head Mauro Betti of Italy that the Australian-born Lebanese was shortchanged by Filipino referee Carlos Padilla. Fenech claimed Padilla gave Pacquiao a long count when he was floored in the fourth round. He also said the fight shouldn’t have been stopped because Hussein’s cut wasn’t so bad.

For all of Fenech’s rantings, he backed out just the same. Pacquiao’s business manager Rod Nazario said Hussein wouldn’t be able to beat the General Santos City slugger in a hundred fights.

Elorde said Betti will recommend scratching Hussein from the WBC ratings because of his preference to fight for the rival IBF crown.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, continues to train in General Santos City. His next fight is on Feb. 17 against Tetsutora Senrima of Japan, according to Elorde. The likely site is the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Pacquiao was offered to face former World Boxing Association (WBA) junior featherweight champion Enrique Sanchez of Mexico in Las Vegas on Jan. 6 but Elorde said it would jeopardize his Feb. 17 card here. So Pacquiao is postponing his US trip until after disposing of Senrima.

Elorde is paying Pacquiao a purse of P1.5 million plus P50,000 for additional training expenses.

Senrima, 31, has a record of 19-4-3, with 10 knockouts. His real name is Choluho Kang and was born in Kobe to North Korean parents. He turned pro in 1990 and has stopped formerly world-rated Thanomsak Sithbaobey of Thailand and Filipino Archie Ano-os. Senrima has won 11 of his last 12 fights dating back to 1997.

WBC superbantamweight titlist Willie Jorrin is booked to stake his crown against Oscar Larios of Mexico with the winner to take on Michael Brodie of England. The survivor will likely defend against Pacquiao, the No. 4 contender.