Pacquiao’s next foe - SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson

World Boxing Council (WBC) International superbantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao isn’t bothered by the fact that he failed to floor his last two opponents. Nedal Hussein and Tetsutora Senrima never went down but lost just the same by stoppage.

It’s not that Pacquiao is losing his knockout touch. Both Hussein and Senrima were as tough as nails, probably tougher, although the consensus was they would’ve eventually hit the deck if not for the referee’s intervention. Carlos Padilla waved off Hussein in the 10th on ringside physician Dr. Nasser Cruz’ recommendation because of a cut over his eye. Wan Soo Yuh stepped in as Senrima was helpless along the ropes in the sixth.

Skeptics are wondering if Pacquiao’s vaunted power isn’t as potent now that he’s fighting bigger boys in the 122-pound division.

Pacquiao’s got a chance to silence the doubters when he battles highly-touted Wethya Sakmuangklang, also known as Wate Singwangcha, on April 28, possibly at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

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The word is Wethya is just as durable as Hussein and Senrima. And he’s bigger. Wethya is a natural featherweight who went the distance in challenging Guty Espadas, Jr. for the WBC 126-pound title in Merida, Mexico, last June.

Espadas, who floored Luisito Espinosa en route to capturing the vacant WBC featherweight crown last April, wasn’t able to deck Wethya. The Thai had Espadas in dire straits in the fifth round and took the 12th on two of the three judges’ scorecards to prove his staying power. Espadas, however, won handily as Pete Termaterra saw it 116-112, Gary Ritter 116-113, and Oren Sehllenberger 118-110, all for the Mexican.

There is some confusion on Wethya’s record. Thai sources claim his record is 59-2. But independent sources insist it’s 23-2, with 17 KOs –which is more credible.

Among Wethya’s victims were Filipinos Andy Alagenio, Edwin Castador and Ramil Sebuco. Since losing to Espadas, the Thai has stopped Alagenio in six and outpointed Indonesian journeyman Yulias Baga.

Wethya has nothing to lose and everything to gain against Pacquiao – that’s why he’s such a dangerous opponent.

Pacquiao can’t afford to take Wethya lightly. He’s still filming scenes for his second movie "Mahal Kita, Kahit Sino Ka Pa" with President Arroyo’s son Mikey and Judy Ann Santos – that means he’s not back in the gym. Pacquiao’s business manager Rod Nazario should be worried.

Nazario plans to take Pacquiao to the US for a fight this summer. But that’s contingent on Pacquiao disposing of Wethya. Nazario is convinced Pacquiao will take the US market by storm just like Pancho Villa in the 1920s. Pacquiao is cut from Villa’s mold – he’s exciting, explosive, and extremely volatile.

The ultimate goal is for Pacquiao to challenge WBC superbantamweight ruler Guillermo (Willie) Jorrin of Sacramento. Pacquiao is the No. 3 contender. Jorrin has been ordered to stake the crown against No. 1 Michael Brodie, the Englishman whom he barely beat on points for the title vacated by Erik Morales last year. Oscar Larios is ranked No. 2 but lost to Jorrin in his first defense last January.
So if Jorrin repeats over Brodie and Pacquiao beats Wethya convincingly, it’s a cinch that the General Santos City slugger will rise to No. 1. That’s why trouncing Wethya is a vital priority.

Jorrin, whose trainer is former featherweight contender Freddie Roach, boasts a 28-0 record, with 12 KOs. He claims he’s not afraid to fight anyone, including Pacquiao. "I’m not ducking anybody," said Jorrin. "Bring ‘em on. I’m getting recognized now. All these years, I’ve paid my dues. I’m keeping it, this world title." For how long is the big question.

Jorrin, 31, began his pro career in 1993 and is the brightest star in venerable Los Angeles promoter Don Chargin’s stable. His trademark punch is a left hook to the body. He’s known for his handspeed and two-fisted attack. More of a stylist, Jorrin isn’t a big puncher but he’s capable of outslicking an opponent to the point of exasperation.

Pacquiao, of course, isn’t thinking of Jorrin just yet. First things first. Wethya is next in line and he’s the focus. Nazario, for his part, would like to think that boxing, not the movies, is foremost in Pacquiao’s mind.