The date is set. The opponent is 90 percent sure. And the site is still to be determined. Those are the circumstances surrounding uncrowned world featherweight boxing champion Manny Pacquiao?s next fight.
Pacquiao?s business manager Rod Nazario confirmed yesterday the bout will be on May 8, probably against International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Association featherweight titlist Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in San Francisco. He said Pacquiao will leave Manila for Los Angeles next week to start training in Freddie Roach?s gym.
Nazario said he sought a postponement of the fight, originally booked by HBO (Home Box Office) on May 22, but US promoter Murad Muhammad couldn?t get a slot earlier than July. HBO advanced Pacquiao?s schedule to accommodate a World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight title fight between Floyd Mayweather and Paul Spadafora.
