Pacquiao to consult eye doctor

International Boxing Federation (IBF) superbantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao isn’t going to London after all.

Yesterday, Pacquiao’s business manager Rod Nazario told The STAR the March 30 non-title fight against Michael Brodie has been cancelled. Brodie agreed to fight a less dangerous opponent, Juan Carlos Ramirez who lost a decision to Luisito Espinosa in 1998. The Englishman wouldn’t risk losing to Pacquiao in front of his loyal fans.

It turned out to be a blessing in disguise as Nazario disclosed that Pacquiao’s wound over his right eye has not completely healed. The cut was inflicted by Agapito Sanchez in a riotous sixth round technical draw in San Francisco last November.

Pacquiao is arriving in Manila today from General Santos City to be examined by Dr. Arnold Salud, an eye specialist.

When Brodie backed out, US promoter Murad Muhammad offered Pacquiao a slot in March 9 card in Pittsburgh. Muhammad proposed a title defense against Mexican Oscar Larios. But with Pacquiao’s uncertain eye condition, Nazario declined the offer.

Pacquiao spent the holidays in General Santos City to be with his family. His wife Jinky gave birth to their second child, another boy, last December. Since the start of the year, Pacquiao has been jogging and swimming in the sea to hasten the healing of his wound.

Nazario said Pacquiao should be ready to fight again in the middle of April. If the cable HBO network has no slot for Pacquiao, Nazario said he will promote the next defense at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, possibly against No. 3 contender Fahprakob Rakkiat-gym.

Fahprakob’s business manager Leon Panoncillo, a Hawaiian of Filipino descent, said Pacquiao is obliged to stake the IBF crown against the Thai by March 27 and failure to make the deadline will vacate the throne. Nazario laughed off the threat and said Pacquiao has until May or six months after the Sanchez fight to make his next defense.

Nazario said to keep Fahprakob quiet, he will agree to a defense against the Thai if HBO relinquishes its right to promote Pacquiao’s next fight in the US and allows the bout to be held here. HBO holds the rights to stage Pacquiao’s next three bouts under a contract with Muhammad and Nazario.

Fahprakob, 26, turned pro in 1992 and boasts a record of 35-2, with 22 KOs. He was once the World Boxing Federation (WBF) bantamweight titlist and now holds the IBF International 122-pound crown. Among his victims were Filipinos Dodong Virtudazo, Rolando Pritos, and Bobby Rabanos.