Too much to lose

International Boxing Federation (IBF) superbantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao’s title won’t be on the line when he takes on rugged Serikzhan Yeshmagambetov of Kazakhstan in a 10-round bout, free to the public, at the Rizal Park tomorrow night. But that doesn’t mean he’s not taking Serik–let’s call him that for short–seriously.

If Pacquiao loses, his marketability as a credible opponent for Paulie Ayala or Clarence (Bones) Adams or Oscar Larios or Johnny Tapia in a big-money fight will suffer an irreversible setback. That’s almost as bad as getting dethroned because Pacquiao is tantalizingly close to pulling in a payday of at least $500,000 in a possible marquee showdown with any of those four palookas.

Pacquiao’s manager Rod Nazario hasn’t firmed up plans for his next title defense. He’s keeping his options open. It’s a matter of waiting for the right offer to come along. And if Pacquiao wins convincingly over Serik, he’ll surely be tapped for a big money deal in the US.

The problem is Serik knows all about Pacquiao but Pacquiao knows nothing about Serik.

Pacquiao, 24, is a fixture on global TV–he knocked out Jorge Eliecer Julio in the Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson undercard in Memphis last year as millions all over the world watched in awe–so it’s not surprising that Serik has the lowdown on the General Santos City lefty.

Serik, on the other hand, is a unknown quantity. He’s made of Mongol stock and that’s an indication he’s as tough as nails. The record shows that he turned pro in 1994 and has since compiled a 13-10-1 slate, with eight KOs. Serik has seen action in Thailand, Indonesia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Russia, Australia and of course, his native country. It’s his first outing in Manila and he’s oozing with confidence, coming off a third round stoppage of Abramenko to win the Commonwealth of Independent (Soviet) States title.

Serik has everything to gain and nothing to lose. That’s why he’s such a dangerous opponent. He’s not the type to back off from a slugfest. Kazakhs aren’t known to be backpedallists. He’ll stand his ground and duke it out, toe to toe. His knockout rate–eight stoppages in 13 wins–is impressive and should be a cause for concern. Serik is hungry. A victory over Pacquiao will mean instant recognition as a title contender–his ticket out of depression and despair.

Aside from not knowing how Serik fights, Pacquiao is faced with the problem of ring rust. He hasn’t worked over three rounds since the Agapito Sanchez fiasco in November 2001 or 16 months ago. Pacquiao hardly raised a sweat in disposing of Julio and Fahprakorb Rakkiat-Gym in his last two outings. There is definitely some rust in Pacquiao’s armor. How that will affect Pacquiao’s performance is a big question mark.

Since wresting the IBF crown from Lehlo Ledwaba in June 2001, Pacquiao hasn’t fought in Manila so his Rizal Park appearance is long overdue. The First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza are rolling out the red carpet for Pacquiao to display his wares in an open-air, makeshift ring at the Luneta for his adoring fans to enjoy.

That’s not all. Promoter Gabriel (Bebot) Elorde has lined up a blockbuster undercard, too.

Pacquiao’s brother Bobby takes on Baby Lorona in a grudge 10-round rematch. Bobby barely beat Lorona to capture the Philippine superfeatherweight diadem last November. No title will be at stake but prestige and bragging rights are on the line. Bobby has won his last six fights but Lorona is unfazed.

World Boxing Council (WBC) International lightflyweight titlist Juanito Rubillar faces Thai import Namchai Thaksim-esan in another tenner. Rubillar is priming for a shot at the WBC crown and like Pacquiao, can’t afford to lose. He’s fresh from back-to-back wins over Takayuki Korogi and Armand de la Cruz.

Philippine superflyweight champion Roger Galicia battles Philippine bantamweight ruler Johnny Lear in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC International bantamweight title. Galicia, 22, boasts a 22-2-1 record, with seven KOs, and is unbeaten in his last seven outings. Lear outpointed veteran Rey Llagas to capture the Philippine 118-pound crown in Cebu last September.

Z Gorres, groomed to be the next Gerry Peñalosa by lawyer Rudy Salud, meets Roy Balataria for the interim Philippine flyweight crown. Gorres, 20, has an unblemished record of 12-0, with six KOs, while Balataria, 20, has an 8-6-2 card, with three KOs. Balataria has won his last three assignments and is no pushover. Gorres will no doubt be pushed to the limit.

It’ll be a night of fireworks, for sure. Don’t miss it.