It appears Manny Pacquiao may be trying to redefine the definition of "pound-for-pound". According to his lawyer, Franklin Gacal, the Filipino superstar will demand a catchweight of 150 pounds should he decide to take on Antonio Margarito for the vacant WBC jr. middleweight title on November 13. "One-hundred fifty pounds," Gacal would tell Nick Gionco of the Manila Bulletin as he discussed the potential matchup.
Despite the fact that the weight limit for the jr. middleweight division is 154 pounds, members of Team Pacquiao believe that the request for a catchweight is fair given Margarito's natural advantage in weight. "Margarito is big and tall even at super-welter," Gacal would point out. Nevermind the fact that Pacquiao is coming off of a dominant welterweight title defense against Joshua Clottey, another naturally bigger fighter who's size is comparable to that of Margarito, the fact remains Pacquiao, who started his professional career as a jr. flyweight [108 pounds], would be testing the waters yet again in an unfamiliar division.
Although a deal has yet to be finalized, a bout with Margarito is imminent and with Pacquiao having an opportunity to capture a title in an unprecedented 8th weight class, rest assured that his team will look to secure him every advantage possible. "I'll get what's the best deal that I could get for Manny," reiteratd Pacquiao's adviser, Michael Koncz, and chances are, they'll get whatever they want. After the year-long suspension for the attempted use of illegal handwraps, Margarito has yet to be licensed in the United States. Seeing as how he's in no position to turn down the opportunity for a seven-figure payday, he'll likely give in to whatever demands that Pacquiao may request.
Should the fight indeed take place at 150 pounds, it will mark the second time that Pacquiao challenged for a divisional title at a catchweight. Last year, Pacquiao fought and defeated WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto at a catchweight of 145 pounds, 2 pounds below the 147-pound limit.
[ Follow Ben Thompson on Twitter @fighthype ]