Boxing world shifts focus to Pacquiao after Mayweather win over Cotto

Reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao arrived in Los Angeles Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) for the final phase of his training camp prior to his June 9 title fight against American Timothy Bradley.   Pacquiao arrived aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR 102 after a 13-hour flight from Manila.     He flew into the US just as the super-welterweight championship bout between his nemesis Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Miguel Cotto was underway at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.   Pacquiao picked Cotto to beat Mayweather, who won by unanimous decision over the Puerto Rican to snatch the World Boxing Association (WBA) 154-pound belt.   The Pacman will be training at the Wild Card gym for the next four weeks as he prepares for his title defense against the unbeaten Bradley.   In a statement released by Top Rank, which promotes the Pacquiao-Bradley fight, the Filipino ring icon said, "No matter what Bradley says, I still have the hunger to win. I can’t wait for June 9."   During his three week training camp in Baguio City, the Pacman sparred with Russian partners Ruslan Provodnikov and Rustam Gunaev.   Floyd Jr.: Arum in the way   Shortly after disposing Miguel Cotto Sunday to win the WBA super-welterweight title, the dream showdown with Pacquiao was in Mayweather’s mind.   Mayweather was vocal enough to say that unless it’s done his way, a showdown with Pacquiao is certainly no way.   "This (Pacquiao) fight is not going to happen. It’s not going to happen,” blared Mayweather Jr. during the post-fight conference.   "I’m looking to fight Manny Pacquiao, but Bob Arum doesn’t want the fight. He’s stopping the fight,” Mayweather Jr. said.   The former Olympic bronze medalist said `hopefully’ he fights again this year shortly after serving a 90-day jail term that begins on June 1.   "If you’re the best, take the test,” Mayweather Jr. challenged Pacquiao during the post-fight interview with boxing analyst Larry Merchant inside the ring.   The drug testing procedure has been one of the major issues raised by Mayweather Jr. as a pre-requisite before he agrees to fight Pacquiao, whom he accused of using performance-enhancing drugs.   Pacquiao initially refused to undergo Olympic style drug testing procedure that will require both fighters to be tested randomly before and after the bout, but later agreed to do it.   Then just when the drug-testing issue was resolved, Mayweather Jr. suggested that the split in prize purse be 60-40 in his favor.   The Pacquiao camp vehemently refused the offer, insisting that it be a 50-50 deal. — JVP/ELR, GMA News