Arum, Pacquiao meet to pick next foe

Bob Arum. AP Photo

MANILA, Philippines—Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent will finally be known with the arrival of promoter Bob Arum in the country Tuesday.

The 80-year-old boxing Hall of Famer, who flies in early this morning, is to confer with Pacquiao regarding his preference for his next foe when he returns to the ring this year.

Before his departure in the United States, Arum rattled off Juan Manuel Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Timothy Bradley and Lamont Peterson as the leading candidates to challenge Pacquiao.

This despite Floyd Mayweather Jr. getting a reprieve in serving his three-month prison term. Originally ordered to serve time starting Jan. 6, Mayweather was allowed to serve it from June 1 instead, clearing the way for the unbeaten American’s planned May 5 bout against an unidentified opponent in Las Vegas.

While Pacquiao wants to fight Mayweather in a clash where he is expected to earn at least $50 million, Arum feels the bout is not feasible on May 5. He said he wants Pacquiao’s next fight to be held either on June 9 or June 16.

Lawyer Franklin Gacal, Pacquiao’s chief of staff in Congress, told the Inquirer that the meeting between Arum and the Sarangani representative will take place in Manila.

The Top Rank boss will present the options and financial considerations regarding each candidate to Pacquiao.