Whether Pacquiao fights a couple more or decides to extend his career until 2013, it is very unlikely that he will make another run at super-welterweight (154 lbs).

It was at 154 lbs that Pacquiao admitted to have been hurt the most as evidenced by the vicious body shots and bruises that he took from the pounding fists of Mexican mauler Antonio Margarito last November in Dallas.

A sign that Pacquiao is no longer keen in sharing the ring with 154-pounders is the fact that the 32-year-old Filipino has decided to relinquish the World Boxing Council (WBC) super-welter crown that he won by beating Margarito.

Pacquiao's desire to get rid of the WBC belt was relayed recently to the governing body's long time president Jose Sulaiman by Top Rank chief Bob Arum.

“Besides, Manny's no longer fighting at that weight class after we realized that it puts him in danger against these naturally bigger men,” said Pacquiao adviser Mike Koncz.

Originally a light-flyweight (108 lbs), Pacquiao has made a habit of defeating big guys such as Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto these few years. Before he took on the marquee names, Pacquiao had already posted wins over Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez.

But it finally took its toll when Pacquiao recognized his limitations against Margarito, who seemed like a one-eyed mythical creature up against a puny warrior armed with a spear.

Assuming Pacquiao disposes of Shane Mosley with the efficiency of an assassin on May 7 in Las Vegas, Arum will bring him back to the ring sometime in November.

Nick Giongco, Manila Bulletin