Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent remains a mystery
Manny Pacquiao’s fall opponent was supposed to be known by now.
He’s not, and neither is the date of the fight.
Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum told The Times on Tuesday he’s still “waiting to hear” from Pacquiao about his intentions.
Arum said he remained in “conversations” with possible opposing fighters, including Miguel Cotto, but gave little information beyond that.
“I can’t go blabbing to the press, who will trust me?” Arum said. “I have no date set, nothing. This is what happens when you’re dealing with a politician. Affairs of state come first.”
Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 knockouts) is a congressman in the Philippines and is currently engaged in his legislative duties, said Arum. He said Cotto, Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez were still on the table as possible opponents.
Yet, Pacquiao’s advisor, Michael Koncz, said the fighter’s intention to file papers in October to run for reelection in the Philippines has made a previously considered Nov. 10 date impossible, because Pacquiao wants to spend his entire eight-week training camp in Hollywood under trainer Freddie Roach.
Pacquiao has been rotating training camps in the Philippines and at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club, but he had two sluggish efforts before losing a controversial split decision to Bradley on June 9.
Arum would only commit to Las Vegas as the location of Pacquiao’s next fight.
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