IN THE event a rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera fails to materialize this October, the camp of Manny Pacquiao would like to bring in reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight king Scott Harrison of Britain to Manila to meet the Filipino southpaw.
This was revealed yesterday by Pacquiao’s business manager Rod Nazario, who, for the last few weeks is still waiting for developments regarding the proposed return match between Pacquiao and Barrera.
Although he made it clear that the Barrera fight remains the top priority, Nazario said he could just not allow Pacquiao to remain inactive for the rest of the year.
And this is the reason why Harrison’s name has cropped up.
"Being the WBO world champion, Harrison is an attractive opponent," Nazario told the Bulletin. "Bringing in somebody from Europe is rare."
A few boxing men also suggested to sign up Indonesian Chris John, who holds the World Boxing Association feather plum, but Nazario said the little-known John might not draw attention.
Socialite Baby Arenas has expressed keen interest in staging a Pacquiao headliner on local shores. She’s has been in constant touch with Nazario the last few weeks.
It’s been almost a month since news about Pacquiao-Barrera II began circulating.
It had been reported that such matchup would likely land on pay-per-view and the Staples Center in Los Angeles, home of the Lakers, had been eyed as venue.
Pacquiao hasn’t fought since battling Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico to an action-packed split draw at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 8.
Harrison, who hails from Glasgow in Scotland, holds a 21-2-1 win-loss-draw card with 11 knockouts.
