A lot riding on Pacquiao tiff

Although his world title won’t be at stake, Manny Pacquiao stands to lose a lot more in case he bows to Kazakhstan’s Serikzhan Yeshmangbitov in a scheduled 10-rounder on March 15 at the Luneta Park.

"This is a non-title bout, but if he loses, it might affect his confidence going into his next title fight," Jun Sarreal, one of the promoters of the upcoming fight featuring the Filipino champion, said recently.

Pacquiao has defended the International Boxing Federation super bantamweight (122 lbs) crown thrice since he took it away from South African Lehlo Ledwaba two years ago. His handlers, led by Rod Nazario, are still weighing their options on whom or when he would fight next.

But if Pacquiao, a native of Gen. Santos City, loses to Serikzhan, all their plans might change, including the fighter’s desire to shift into the higher, tougher and crowded featherweight division (126 lbs).

"Madami talagang puwede mangyari kung matatalo siya dito. That’s why he must not take this fight, and this fighter, lightly," added Sarreal when he graced the PSA Forum last week.

The bout will be open to the public courtesy of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza who promised to shoulder the expenses after Sarreal and fellow promoter Bebot Elorde fell short of the needed P5 million to stage the fight.

Pacquiao and Serikzhan will meet for the first time tomorrow when they grace the PSA Forum at the Manila Pavillion.

"Hindi ko palalampasin ito," said Pacquiao yesterday as he looked forward to beating his opponent who was to travel thousands of miles just to get a crack at the Filipino world champion.

The official weigh-in is set at the Games and Amusements Board office in Makati on Friday. A press-public preview is being set earlier in the week.

Pacquiao, a lefty who can knock an opponent out at any given day, the other day gave his fans a glimpse of what to expect during a regular workout at the L&M Gym in Sampaloc, Manila. Yesterday morning, he did some jogging along Roxas Blvd. in the company of the Manila Mayor.

Arnold "Ali" Atienza, head of the Manila Sports Council, said all the 895 barangays in the country’s capital city will be represented during the fight which is expected to draw a huge crowd at the Luneta Park.