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Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has informed Bob Arum that he wants to fight by the second week of April 2016, the Top Rank chief executive revealed on Wed, Sep 16.
“Manny has told me he wants his next fight to be no later than the second week of April,” Arum said, as quoted by Boxing Scene. He added: “Because he’s going to spend the next month campaigning in the Philippines for the presidential elections and the senatorial elections.”
Pacquiao last fought in May 2015, losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr. via unanimous decision. He is still rehabbing his right shoulder after tearing his rotator cuff during training camp.
The Filipino boxer recently said his shoulder is feeling better, and is set to announce his plans for the 2016 elections soon.
As for Pacquiao’s opponent, Arum initially listed Terence Crawford, Amir Khan and Kell Brook but has since added Lucas Matthysse and Juan Manuel Marquez to the mix.
“They are the primary names,” Arum said of Crawford, Khan, and Brook.
“There is the possibility now with Lucas Matthysse, and finally, we have to see whether Marquez is retired, or if he’s going to come back,” he added.
Marquez famously knocked out Pacquiao when they fought for the fourth time in December 2012.
“We’re going to give him the opportunity to see what he’s going to do,” Arum said of the Mexican legend, who has not fought since May 2014.
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
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