Manny Pacquiao, the Filipino boxing icon who is in the thick of preparations for his fight against Brandon Rios set on November 24 in Macau, has reportedly told his promoter Bob Arum that he wants to fight again on April 2014 against either Timothy Bradley, Jr. or Ruslan Provodnikov of Russia.
According to Tempo newspaper, Pacquiao has indicated his desire to be in the ring again six months after his scheduled bout against Rios with the unbeaten Bradley or the up and coming Provodnikov in his list of possible opponents.
Asked why April instead of May, Arum replied by saying that: "(Floyd) Mayweather has reserved a May date whether he's fighting a Hispanic or some guy at the MGM Grand so we'll do it in April." He was also quoted as saying that the fight could take place "maybe in the US or overseas (outside the US)."
Arum, who was in General Santos City in southern Philippines to check out the training of his prized ward, said he was impressed with the conditioning and focus that Pacquiao exhibited and indicated that the man formerly regarded as the best boxer in the world is poised to make a strong comeback following a stunning knockout loss to Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez.
"This is the best that he's looked since he was getting ready for the (Oscar) De La Hoya fight," said Arum.
The Hall of Fame promoter said there is a possibility that Pacquiao could return fighting in the United States with a bout in the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
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