Valero: Pacquiao promised to fight me, too

MANILA, Philippines – Don’t you forget me. Venezuelan lightweight champ and knockout artist Edwin Valero of Venezuela squeezed his name into the long line of possible next-in-line for pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao, claiming his promotional pact with Top Rank guarantees a showdown with his stablemate. In a report by Boxing Scene, the unbeaten WBC lightweight champ asserted that in private, the Filipino superstar himself had given his OK to his much sought matchup in the future. "My fight with Manny Pacquiao is signed. It was one of the conditions that I gave to my manager, Jose Castillo, for me to sign with Bob Arum (Top Rank)," Boxing Scene’s Mark Vester, quoting Valero’s statement from SNOV, reported. Owner of a 100% knockout clip in his 25 fights, Valero insisted that the only way Pacquiao could walk away from their set date would be to retire. “This is something that he (Arum) has not revealed to the press because the fight is not mandatory, in case Pacquiao walks away. But that is the only way to avoid the fight, if he leaves boxing. So I am relaxed and working to build my name for my opportunity. It was something that was spoken about with Pacquiao and he said yes. That was in January," Valero related. Valero, who was even Pacquiao’s guest at his Las Vegas-style 30th birthday bash in General Santos City, claimed only he can give the Pacman a run for his money when it comes to power – not Hatton as earlier advertised, or anyone between Floyd Mayweather, Jr. or Juan Manuel Marquez. “For now I imagine that they are going to fight the winner of Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez, but none of those fighters have the power to surpass his defense. I would be able to offer a much better fight than the one Hatton did. I only hope that Pacquiao gives me the opportunity. I would have no problem in moving up in weight (light-welterweight) to fight him," Valero said. Valero’ s name has been lost in the list being floated as possible foes for Pacquiao next outing for October or November. Aside from the comebacking P4P boss Mayweather and old rival Marquez, the Pacquiao camp is also said to be considering Miguel Cotto, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and Sugar Shane Mosley in the vicinity of 140-147lbs. Newly-crowned IBO light-welterweight king Pacquiao, who is currently on his way back to the Philippines, had said he was ready to take on all comers from 140 to 147 and to some extent, 135 lbs but would leave it up to Top Rank to decide his next foe. –GMANews.TV