Arum options for Pacman: Horn, Broner or Crawford

Manny Pacquiao AP FILE PHOTO

Promoter Bob Arum still thinks Manny Pacquiao should face Jeff Horn in Australia in his first fight of the year.

Horn was Arum’s preferred opponent for Pacquiao on April 23, until Michael Koncz, Pacquiao’s adviser, announced that a more lucrative fight is in the works for the Fighting Senator in the United Arab Emirates.

Pacquiao and Briton Amir Khan then tweeted that they have agreed to do battle in May.

The supposed deal fell through, however, according to Arum, adding that he has sent a new set of probable opponents and proposals to Pacquiao.

Apart from Horn, also in the short list are Americans Adrien Broner, a four-division world champion, and Terence Crawford, the WBC and WBO junior welterweight champion.

“If the fight is going to be in Australia, then it probably will be Jeff Horn,” Arum told BoxingScene.com. “If it’s somewhere else, then it may not be. We are probably targeting sometime in July now, when the Philippine Senate will be once again in recess.” (The Senate would adjourn June 3 to July 23. —Ed). —ROY LUARCA