Barrera wants Pacquiao on Nov. 4

Oscar De la Hoya, speaking to Cebu reporters from his training camp in Puerto Rico yesterday, announced that he has reserved a Nov. 4 date for Marco Antonio Barrera to see action at the MGM Grand, and if Manny Pacquiao is interested, all he needs to do is pick up the phone. (Related story on A-30)

"I respect Manny Pacquiao as a great warrior. Marco Barrera also respects Manny as a great warrior. But on Nov. 4, Marco is available. If Manny is available, then let’s go," Barrera said in a teleconference with Cebu and Manila mediamen at the upscale Cebu City Sports Club in Cebu, according to philboxing.com.

However, before that bout can take place, both fighters need to hurdle first their respective immediate assignments.

Barrera will defend his WBC super-featherweight crown on May 20 against ex-Olympian Ricardo Juarez at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Pacquiao himself is busy preparing for a June 25 non-title fight at the Araneta Coliseum, possibly against Oscar Larios or another top-rated Mexican fighter. He is also lined up for a rubber match with Erik Morales in September.