Kazakh predicts knockout in 3

Now, he’s talking tough.

Less than 48 hours since he arrived and sized up his fancied opponent, Kazakhstan Serikzhan Yeshmangbetov bravely predicted that he will knock out Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao in the third round of their much-publicized non-title fight set tomorrow before an expected huge crowd at the Luneta Park.

"I’ll knock him (Pacquiao) out in three rounds," Yeshmangbetov said in yesterday’s press conference at the National Sports Grill at the Greenbelt in Makati City.

That was bold for a fighter who could only boast of a record of 13-9-1 (win-loss-draw) with nine knockouts as compared to Pacquiao’s awesome 35-2-1 slate, 27 via short routes.

"Makikita natin ang tigas niya (Yesmangbetov) sa Sabado (tomorrow)," said Pacquiao, who is also expected to go all out for a win in a bid to boost his confidence in his future fights.

"Hindi ako natatakot sa kanya dahil panay ang practice ko ngayon. At siyempre hindi ako puwedeng magpatalo dahil ayaw kong makita ang mga kababayan ko na manonood sa akin na uuwing malungkot, gusto ko masaya sila at nakangiti pag-uwi nila sa kani-kanilang bahay," he added.

Danny Leigh, the Kazakh’s Australian manager, was as confident as his ward, saying that they have a secret strategy against the southpaw from General Santos City.

"I expect Manny to come in but we will be ready for him and we have a secret strategy to counter that," said Leigh, who accompanied Yeshmangbetov in the press briefing also attended by promoter Gabriel "Bebot" Elorde.

"He (Yeshmangbetov) believes he can catch Manny unaware when he comes in," he added.

Being held for the benefit of the Boystown of Manila and the Disabled Filipino Boxers’ Trust Fund, the 10-round bout is supported by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

Other sponsors are the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), San Miguel Beer, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes oOffice (PCSO), Lotus Garden Hotel, National Sports Grill, Roberto Sporting Wear, Tiara Oriental Hotel, Elorde Tourism and Dev’t Corp. and Flash Security and Investigative Corp.