Pacman gives up WBC belt!

Pound for Pound Manny Pacquiao has given up the WBC lightweight title. In a letter to the WBC, Pacquiao wrote:

Dear Mr. Sulaiman and World Boxing Council;

I take great pride and honor in representing the W.B.C. as its Lightweight Champion at the present time. Your institution has opened the door form 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.

I have had discussion with my team as to the direction of my career since my fight at 147 lbs with Oscar De La Hoya, on December 6, 2008. 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.

Therefore, this correspondence will serve as formal notice to the World Boxing Council, I am voluntarily relinquishing my W.B.C. Lightweight Championship Belt in order to pave the way for a new champion and provide opportunities and success to other fighters in the Lightweight division.

I look forward to the opportunity and distinction of representing your organization as a World Champion in the future.

Sincerely

Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao