Ex-champ claims he would've KO'd Manny

CANASTOTA – If only Michael Carbajal could turn back the hands of time, the former WBC, IBF and WBO lightflyweight champion said he would’ve knocked out Manny Pacquiao in his prime.

Carbajal, 43, enjoyed four reigns as the 108-pound titlist, retiring in 1999 after halting Mexico’s Jorge Arce for the WBO crown. Pacquiao was the WBC flyweight king when Carbajal hung up his gloves so conceivably, they could’ve crossed paths in the ring.

“Yeah, I would’ve knocked Pacquiao out,” said Carbajal who attended the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in this New York state village last weekend. “I remember Pacquiao was a lightflyweight when he turned pro. Even when he fought as a lightweight, I think (Roberto) Duran would’ve knocked him out.”

Carbajal idolized Duran who was called the “Hands of Stone.” The Phoenix native was nicknamed “Little Hands of Stone” in deference to Duran.

Carbajal was drunk when he spoke about Pacquiao early afternoon at the Days Inn Hotel across the street from the Hall of Fame and museum last Monday. He wasn’t in his right senses. A hotel staffer said Carbajal caused a lot of trouble during the enshrinement rites because he was never sober throughout the weekend. His wife constantly phoned the Hall of Fame staff to rouse Carbajal in their hotel room.

“I don’t think Carbajal will be invited to the induction next year,” said the staffer. “Carbajal’s expenses were paid for in bringing him over to attend the induction. I doubt if the Hall management will spend to bring him back next year after the problems he caused.”

Walking unsteadily, Carbajal was in the hotel lobby waiting for a car to take him and his wife to the airport. He mumbled words incoherently. Asked if he had ever fought a Filipino, Carbajal said no. His record bears him out.

But Carbajal’s mind cleared when he lashed out at his brother Danny, about 16 years older, for leaving him penniless. Danny was his trainer and manager who earned a 25 percent share of Carbajal’s ring earnings estimated to be $7 Million from 1989 to 1999. Carbajal cursed his brother.

“He took all my money,” said Carbajal. “Now, I’m broke.”

What a sad ending to a storybook career in boxing. Carbajal bagged the silver medal as a lightflyweight at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, losing to Bulgaria’s Ivailo Marinov in the finals, then became the first 108-pounder ever to earn $1 Million for a fight against Mexico’s Humberto Gonzalez in 1993. Carbajal survived two trips to the canvas then knocked out Gonzalez for the WBC title.

With his sensational come-from-behind victory, Carbajal was transformed into an instant celebrity. He was featured in TV ads endorsing Diet Pepsi and Emergency Chiropractors. He was on the road to fame and fortune. Despite suffering two later losses to Gonzalez on points to complete their trilogy, Carbajal’s star continued to shine. He won his fourth lightflyweight crown at Arce’s expense and at 32, decided to retire to run two boxing gyms in Phoenix.

In 2006, Carbajal was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

One of nine children, Carbajal sued his brother Danny in 2007 for “removing money from bank accounts, withdrawing funds from his IRAs and purchasing property with his money and by titling the property in Danny’s name.” Carbajal’s lawyer Alan Susman said, “My client’s assets, which were millions of dollars at one time, have been raided and stolen by Danny and his daughters – that’s why we’re suing them.”

Writer Paul Rubin of the Phoenix New Times quoted former world champion Ruben Castillo in defending Carbajal against his brother. “If you haven’t been in the ring as a fighter, there’s no way to explain what someone has to go through to become a true champion like Michael did,” said Castillo. “He’s the one who took all of those punches, felt all that pain and he did it for his family and for Danny, not just for himself. What Danny has done is one of the worst things I’ve ever come across in boxing and that’s saying a hell of a lot.”