No rematch clause for Pacman-Margarito bout

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum is not keen on putting up a rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito. Not unless their 12-round fight for the super-welterweight title of the World Boxing Council (WBC) turns out to be a competitive and closely-fought bout. The veteran promoter said a rematch is very unlikely, especially if the encounter proves to be a dominant win for Pacquiao or if conversely, Margarito ends up being too much for the world’s current top pound-for-pound fighter. “No rematch clause. I don’t believe in rematch clause," said the long-time promoter. “Pacquiao prevailing by a mile over the heavy underdog Margarito would no longer be attractive to boxing fans." “If the fight turns out to be one-sided (in favor of Manny), a rematch wouldn’t be saleable," pointed Arum, who’s been in the boxing business for more than four decades. A dominating performance by the 32-year-old Mexican, on the other hand, wouldn’t also be to the best interest of the boxer considered as the best in the world today.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV “And if it’s a one-sided fight (for Margarito) and Manny concludes that Margarito was just too big and too strong for him, why subject him to having to do it again?" reasoned the Harvard University alumnus. Pacquiao and Margarito would be fighting at a catch weight of 151 pounds, the biggest weight class the three-time Boxer of the Year will be involved in since fighting as a flyweight (106 lbs) at the start of his career. At 5-foot-11, Margarito is also the biggest opponent Pacquiao is going to face after the great Oscar De La Hoya (5-foot-10) in 2008. The Mexican slugger holds a seven-inch advantage in terms of reach. But despite the discrepancies, the 31-year-old southpaw from General Santos City remains a big 6-1 favorite to win the fight. Michael Koncz, Pacquiao’s trusted adviser, agreed with the odds. “He’s doing OK. Manny’s going to win this fight," he said, unmindful of Pacquiao’s preparation being labeled as "the worst" by trainer Freddie Roach in his nine-year association with the boxing champion. Pacquiao sparred for nine rounds against David Rodela, Ray Beltran and one unnamed sparmate Tuesday at the Wildcard gym. - KY/RCJ, GMANews.TV