GOLDEN Boy Promotions (GBP) vice-president Eric Gomez revealed that Juan Manuel Marquez is very much eager to get the rematch against Manny Pacquiao.

In an interview with the BusinessMirror, Gomez said he wanted to clear several insinuations that what Marquez wants to get was a bigger fight purse than Pacquiao.

“Marquez simply told us to make the fight happen,” said Gomez. “He just gave us the go-signal to get the rematch with Pacquiao.”

Gomez refused to divulge how much is being offered. He added Top Rank Inc. headed by Bob Arum is currently negotiating with GBP executive Richard Schaeffer.

“Talks are going smoothly. It’s what the people want to see. There is no other fighter the people want for Pacquiao than Marquez,” he said.

Reports said Pacquiao is asking no less than $3 million for the Marquez rematch. Both Top Rank and GBP share equal rights to the promotional deal of Pacquiao.

Top Rank is reportedly pushing for a bout with World Boxing Council lightweight champion David Diaz. The Mexican-American Diaz is fighting under Arum’s outfit.

Another issue that is keeping the rematch hanging is the upcoming November 17 encounter between World Boxing Organization (WBO) super-featherweight fight between champion Joan Guzman and upcoming Mexican star Humberto Soto.

A source from Team Pacquiao told the BusinessMirror that Arum is bent on pairing Pacquiao with a Top Rank-promoted fighter.

“When Pacquiao fought Barrera, it was Arum who gave way because Barrera is a GBP fighter. That is why I am not surprised Arum wants to get his chance,” said the insider who requested anonymity. “But of course Marquez has the inside track because he is perhaps the remaining blemish in Manny’s career by far.”

In May 2004 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Marquez survived three first-round knockdowns to salvage a 12-round split draw in their featherweight encounter.         

Parting ways after 30 years

THE country’s most potent boxing promotional tandem has unexpectedly parted ways after nearly 30 years of producing world-class Filipino fighters.

In an interview with the BusinessMirror, Sammy Gello-ani admitted that he is now establishing his own promotional outfit after serving as longtime deputy of Tony Aldeguer, owner of ALA Boxing Gym.

“It was a very difficult decision but it’s a professional one. I think it’s time for me to take a different direction,” said Gello-ani during the interview at the lobby of the Manila Hotel.

Gello-ani admitted that the split was “painful”, but quickly added that their breakup did not create any serious animosity between him and Aldeguer.

“Sometimes we really have to move on but I have to admit I owe a lot to Mr. Aldeguer. I learned a lot of things the whole time I worked for him,” Gello-ani disclosed.

Gello-ani said he will continue his work as fight manager and promoter.

Under Gello-ani’s care at the moment are world-title challenger Bert Batawang and current Philippine welterweight champion Dondon Sultan.

Gello-ani assisted Aldeguer in establishing the ALA Boxing Club which has produced world champions Malcolm Tuñacao, Joma Gamboa, Gerry Peñalosa and Donnie Nietes and current world-rated fighters Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista, Z Gorres and AJ Banal.

Gello-ani is in Manila attending the 45th annual World Boxing Council (WBC) Convention being held at the Manila Hotel.

Yesterday, Gello-ani exchanged pleasantries with Aldeguer’s son Michael who is also present for the WBC confab.

Both Aldeguer and Gello-ani are fervently setting up meetings with Golden Boy Promotions (GBP) vice-president Eric Gomez to arrange schedules for their fighters next year.

Aldeguer is trying to finalize their plans for a purse bidding regarding the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-flyweight eliminator against former world flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan.

Aldeguer said they plan to bring the 12-round title eliminator here in the Philippines.

Gello-ani also admits he will encounter rough sailing now that he will work without Aldeguer’s guidance.

“It’s something that I will miss. It will be hard but I have to move on,” added Gello-ani.

Gello-ani’s SGG served as the second-tier promotional arm where fighters who did not start as part of the dreaded ALA Boys are promoted.

‘LET’S GET IT ON’

GOLDEN Boy Promotions (GBP) vice-president Eric Gomez revealed that Juan Manuel Marquez is very much eager to get the rematch against Manny Pacquiao.

Ring legends offer their two cents’ worth to Donaire Jr.

INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. got some quality tips from two respected Filipino boxing personalities.

PHILIPPINE Basketball Association (PBA) officer-in-charge Sonny Barrios announced last night the initial list of personalities who were nominated by the league’s board of governors to replace resigned commissioner Noli Eala.

THE national cycling team modestly aims to surpass its 2005 Manila performance when it competes in the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Thailand next month.

Getting stronger each day

SINGAPORE—Drawing strength from a once dormant defense and a vicious running game, Team Philippines slaughtered the Singapore Slingers, 100-93, Tuesday night before a predominantly Filipino crowd at the Jurong East Sports and Cultural Centre.

Toyota looking for road back to victory

Two teams in the middle of the pack try to get some groove going in the main game of the Philippine Basketball League V-Go Extreme Energy Cup today at The Arena in San Juan.

Part Of The Game: Green revolution

OH my. Celtic fans never had it so good.

Twenty years is a long time to keep the vow of silence about a team that most National Basketball Association (NBA) fans have relegated to has-been status. Silence may be golden, but we’ve been golden too long!