Pacquiao was obviously referring to those who are waiting in the wings eager to take a crack at boxing’s resurgent hero.

Two of them are Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez, who, like Morales, are Mexicans and should be in line to fight the Filipino.

"Kahit sino sa kanila, walang problema sa akin," said Pacquiao at the lobby of the Wynn Las Vegas where he held court surrounded by close associates led by Cebu boxing impresario Wakee Salud.

Although he does not hold a world title, Pacquiao is like a magnet for Marquez and Barrera who are probably as eager as the Filipino for a return bout. Not only can they cash in on such an encounter, a win would also validate their world titles.

The first to throw the gauntlet was Barrera who had earlier called for the winner of the Pacquiao-Morales showdown to meet him on March 25.

But it is doubtful that such a clash would take place because that would mean Pacquiao is fighting again in two months which is highly improbable considering the bruising encounter he’s just had against Morales.

Marquez, who battled Pacquiao to a thrilling 12-round split draw in May 2004, won’t likely be available to fight in May or June since he is defending the World Boxing Association featherweight crown against Chris John of Indonesia in late-March.

Barrera is also penciled to fight on the same month probably against Jesus Chavez.

Pacquiao is confident he can beat Barrera a second time. Barrera was mauled by Pacquiao in November 2003 in San Antonio, Texas.

With the three of them having separate opponents in March or early April, it is unlikely a fight pitting Pacquiao against either Barrera or Marquez could be pulled off within the first half of the year. It could be in the third or fourth quarter of 2006.

Almost forgotten in this frenzied speculation for Pacquiao’s possible next foe is the hapless Morales who is practically pushed out of the picture following his unceremonious defeat.

One keen observer of the fight game, Salud, believes the Tijuana native, has had enough and might consider hanging up his gloves.

"Sa tingin ko magreretire na si Morales," said Salud, after seeing what Pacquiao did to him. "Badly beaten, talaga."

Morales, 29, is back in Tijuana where he will consult family members and his promotional outfit Top Rank to decide his future.

As for Pacquiao, he is expected to take it easy since he is not expected to get back in the ring until May or June.

Pacquiao plans to bring his wife and two kids, Emmanuel Jr. and Michael Stephen, to Disneyland in Anaheim, California in March or April at round the time when his younger brother Bobby is going to make his much- awaited comeback.