Pacquiao relinquishes WBC lightweight crown

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao’s desire to fight in the super lightweight division prompted him to relinquish his World Boxing Council (WBC) world lightweight crown.

Pacquiao, the reigning pound for pound king, wrote WBC president Jose Sulaiman to inform him of his decision. He won the WBC lightweight division title by way of a ninth round knockout against David Diaz in June last year.

Pacquiao said he consulted Team Pacquiao members before coming up with a decision adding that his last fight at 147 lbs. against Oscar De La Hoya on Dec. 6, 2008 made him choose to jump up one division.

“I have had discussion with my team as to the direction of my career since my fight at 147 lbs. After careful consideration and the in the advancement of my professional boxing career, I intend at this time to campaign in the super lightweight division with a fight against Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009," Pacquiao said in his letter.

Pacquiao said his letter serves as a formal notice to WBC that he was voluntarily relinquishing his WBC lightweight championship belt to provide opportunities to other fighters in the division.

He then thanked the WBC for giving him the chance to represent them as one of its champions.

“I take great pride and honor in representing the WBC as its lightweight champion at the present time," he said.

Pacquiao added he owed his current success to the WBC.

"Your institution has opened the door for my success in boxing and I am grateful for the prestige your organization has given me over the years as one of its champions in many different weight categories," he said.

Pacquiao, though, is not closing the door of once again being a WBC champion.

"I look forward to the opportunity and distinction of representing your organization as a world champion in the future," he said.

The Filipino boxing icon will face reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) light welterweight world champion Ricky Hatton of Great Britain on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao holds a 48-3-2 win-loss-draw record with 35 of his wins coming by way of knockout. He gained international recognition after fighting and winning in three weight divisions last year with his recent victory against De La Hoya catapulting him to superstardom. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/150336/Pacquiao-relinquishes-WBC-lightweight-crown

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