Mayol hopes to use Pacquiao as inspiration in title fight

MANILA, Philippines – Rodel Mayol hopes to get an inspiration from Manny Pacquiao when he vies for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) light-flyweight title Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila) against unbeaten champion Ivan Calderon. With the 30-year old Pacquiao expected to be at ringside of the Madison Square Garden in New York, Mayol vows to go all-out against one of the longest-reigning world champion today. “Siyempre ayaw natin siyang (Paquiao) mapahiya (I don’t want to embarrass Pacquiao)," said the Mandaue City-native Mayol, who is now based in Los Angeles. Pacquiao is currently in New York after receiving the 2008 Boxer of the Year award from the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). He is also expected to watch the WBO welterweight title clash between Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey, the main event of the Mayol-Calderon undercard. This could yet be Mayol’s final shot at a world title after two failed attempts in the past. The Filipino (25-3, 19 KOs) first lost to Eagle Kyowa (unanimous decision) in 2006 for the World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight crown, and then suffered an eight round technical knockout against former champion Ulises Solis a year later for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight title. But after hooking up with fellow Filipino Manny Pacquiao and Canadian Michael Koncz, Mayol was able to earn what could be his last attempt at a world championship. Calderon however, could be Mayol’s toughest test to date. The Puerto Rican champion is a perfect 32-0, although the six knockouts in his personal record is a testament to his lack of punching power. But speed and technical skills had been Calderon’s biggest assets and that’s the reason why he has stayed on top for more than six years. The 34-year old champ has defended the 108-pound title 16 times, the last of which came August of last year against Hugo Fidel Cazares (technical decision). He first won the crown in 2003 with a ninth round technical decision of Eduardo Ray Marquez. – GMANews>TV