Reports/Photos by Dennis Principe

Larios better than Barrera and Morales?

Purists simply label it part of the hype. But anything can happen in boxing and so Mexican boxer Oscar “Chololo” Larios hopes to create something, big time, when the biggest break of his career happens on July 2.

Yesterday morning, “Mano A Mano”, unarguably the biggest boxing event in the Philippines in years, was formally launched that will feature Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao in a 12-round battle versus Larios, a former world superbantamweight champion.

The press conference was held inside Studio 10 of local TV network ABS-CBN in Quezon City, Philippines.

Rafael Mendoza, handler of Larios and more than a dozen Mexican world champs, started the media punchout by declaring that his boxer is easily the more superior fighter than the two Mexican kingpins Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera.

“I’ll give you a simple answer. Because Larios is better than Morales and better Barrera,” declared Mendoza when asked about the chances of Larios against Pacquiao.

Mendoza, who was joined by trainer Edison Reynoso, said that with Pacquiao giving Larios a chance to fight him means that the Filipino ring warrior is ready to fight against anybody in any place.

“There is always a guy who will beat you one night. There will always be a guy who has the style to beat you. Larios has the style, has the stamina, the guts, the heart to put pressure on Pacquiao. Pressure that Morales and Barrera did not have,” said Mendoza.

On the other hand, American trainer Freddie Roach gave a simple “No” when asked about Mendoza’s claim of Larios’ superiority.

Roach revealed that Pacquiao will hold camp at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood to prepare for this fight.

“I’m looking forward to a great fight. Larios is really a tough opponent and Pacquiao is the most exciting fighter today. We are going to be in great shape for this fight,” proclaimed Roach.

Pacquiao is slated to travel to Los Angeles anytime between May 9 and 13.

Before going full blast in his preparation, Pacquiao plans to be at ringside to watch compatriot Rodel Mayol duke it out with world champ Eagle Kyowa in a 12-round WBC minimumweight title fight in Japan.

The Kyowa-Mayol title fight will be held at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

The fight will also be some sort of a professional vendetta for Roach as three of his four fighters lost to Larios before.

Also joining Pacquiao and Roach were co-manager Nicolas Khan and Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez.

Both Pacquiao (41-3-2, 33 KO’s) and Larios (55-4-1, 36 KO’s) gave uncomplicated answers to the press by just promising to give their best once the bell rings on July 2.

Meanwhile, three other world-rated Filipino fighters are set to appear in the undercard.

Former world champion Gerry Penalosa, ex-world title contender Randy Suico, one-time Oriental champion Jimrex Jaca and teenage sensation Rey ‘Boom Boom” Bautisa are set to be challenged by Mexican fighters in this gigantic promotion to be held at the Araneta Coliseum.