Manila, Philippines ? Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez might find themselves seated next to each other next month in Macau where Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum is staging a major show at the Venetian Hotel.
Arum said he is bringing Marquez and his wife to the former Portuguese colony and is also extending the same invitation to Pacquiao and wife Jinkee.
?Let?s go, babe,? Jinkee said when told about Arum?s invitation.
There was no reaction on Pacquiao?s face as he sat with a stoic expression as the Filipino fighter pondered about his dizzying itinerary the next three months.
?We?ll see,? said Pacquiao.
Arum is looking at a September date for the fifth clash between the archrivals and Pacquiao seems to be on the same page with the Top Rank chief?s plan of getting a deal done by April.
?September is the right date to fight again but there?s been no talks regarding the fight. Nothing?s been finalized. My concentration is on the May elections.?
But immediately after the elections, where Pacquiao is running unopposed for a second term as congressman of Sarangani and two family members are also gunning for separate posts, the 34-year-old puncher made the assurance that he will return to the ring.
Pacquiao remains committed to boxing that he is not allowing himself to get out of shape while attending to his congressional duties.
?I am in shape,? said Pacquiao, rolling up his sleeves to show that he is not gaining weight. ?I?ve been playing basketball almost non-stop at night.?
Pacquiao noted that his weight has dropped to his fighting weight of 145 to 146 lbs because of too much exercise that he has started to bulk up.
Six months from a proposed comeback, Pacquiao appears to be right on track.
