Philippines, 05 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Can Sen. Pacquiao outfox the sly Bob Arum?


PhilBoxing.com




AFTER the Blunder in Brisbane, legendary Manny Pacquiao, beaten, bloodied, bewildered, cried out he had been set-up. He did not single out the culprit. But Pacquiao obviously meant veteran promoter Bob Arum.

Arum would coolly shrug off indirect accusations.

Last heard of, Arum was planning to visit Manila to sit down with Pacquiao and discuss the rematch clause in the Battle of Brisbane that saw Australian Jeff Horn taking away Pacquiao?s WBO world welterweight crown.

**

The rematch, scheduled in Brisbane for Nov. 12, as previously agreed upon by both parties, has also turned into what could resemble an off-ring chess tussle. Succeeding signals were quite mixed.

An initial report by the Agence France Press said Pacquiao has decided to withdraw from the rematch. That was on Sunday. Yesterday, AFP said Pacquiao was not actually withdrawing, but has instead invited Horn to do the rematch in the Philippines.
Another report said Pacquiao has decided to stage the rematch through the Manny Pacquiao Promotions at the vast Philippine Arena, possibly in December.

**

Anyway, before Pacquiao could announce the planned rematch in Manila, he was repeatedly taunted in Australia for allegedly playing scared.

The Manila rematch will be a sure knockout, and will also cost an astounding killer amount of dollars.

Not to worry. Pacquiao claims he has the momentum, stating solid financial support from the tourism department, lots of friends and, last but definitely not the least, President Rodrigo Duterte, his friend and political ally.

**

It was not clear if Pacquiao still has a live contract with Top Rank Promotions. Pacquiao had claimed his July 2 fight in Brisbane was his last under Bob Arum.

Meanwhile, Horn announced he would be ready and willing to take on Jesse Vargas, in place of Pacquiao, for the scheduled big bout in Brisbane. Vargas used to own Horn?s WBO crown.

Horn said Vargas would be a strong and very worthy foe. He also expressed displeasure at Pacquiao?s rude pullout.

Minus Horn, what big bout does Pacquiao hope to stage in the Philippines?

?That?s what happens at the top of the game, guys mess around you a lot,? Horn cried. He refused to say if he was hitting back at Pacquiao by taking on a new opponent.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Sumalinog Brothers Score Wins in Bohol; Sign with Monty Flores (PHOTOS)
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH TEAM BOXING LEAGUE
    , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • Trifon Petrov unveils the signing of another USA Team member in Ariana Carrasco
    , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • Jerome Gonzales off to a marvelous start in J&P 10 Ball Cup at Pacman's Cue Club
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • DCL amateur MMA on Feb. 21 at Sta. Lucia Mall
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 05 Feb 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 FEBRUARY 2026: Shakur Schools Teofimo to Become 4-Division Champ; Zayas Unifies WBA/WBO Superwelter; Kelly Beats Murtazaliev
    By Eric Armit, , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Grand Week for Boxing in NY
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
    , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
    , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 04 Feb 2026
  • Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • “I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
    , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
    , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
    , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • Sullivan Management signs 19-1 power-punching Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga
    , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • Another Grandeza in MMA is coming
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 03 Feb 2026
  • Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 02 Feb 2026
  • International Master Eric Labog Jr. rules FIDE rapid chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 02 Feb 2026
  • 76ers star Paul George has been suspended for 25 NBA games by doping
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 01 Feb 2026
  • Fit To Be Unified: Xander Zayas Defeats Abass Baraou To Unify Junior Middleweight World Titles
    , Sun, 01 Feb 2026
  • Fit To Be Unified: Xander Zayas Defeats Abass Baraou To Unify Junior Middleweight World Titles
    , Sun, 01 Feb 2026
  • Trazo beats Jabagat in Talisay
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 01 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.