In this exclusive video, Top Rank Promotions CEO Bob Arum talks about his plans for Manny Pacquiao.
Arum has told FanHouse that he will leave on Dec. 12 for the Philippines to see Pacquiao, where he will propose an April 16, Las Vegas bout at the MGM opposite five-time titlist Shane Mosley, a third fight with WBO and WBA lightweight (135 pounds) king Juan Manuel Marquez, or one against WBC welterweight belt-holder Andre Berto.
Arum, who turns 79 on December 8, hopes to have a plan in place for by Dec. 19, two days after Pacquiao’s 32nd birthday on Dec. 17. Arum already has contacted Nevada State Athletic Commission director, Keith Kizer, concerning a potential fight date of April 16 at the MGM Grand.
Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 knockouts) has twice staged HBO pay per view televised bouts at the The Dallas Cowboys Stadium, defending his WBO welterweight (147 pounds) title by unanimous decision over Joshua Clottey in March in the first-ever fight to be held at The Dallas Cowboys Stadium, and, returning there on Nov. 13 to win the WBC’s vacant junior middleweight (154 pounds) crown with a unanimous decision over ex-champion Antonio Margarito (38-7, 27 KOs).
In victory over Margarito, Pacquiao earned his eighth title in as many different weight classes, and his 13th straight win with eight knockouts during that run.
Prior to going to Texas, Pacquiao had won six straight fights in Las Vegas, with the last four being by knockout. Aside from six-time champion Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs), Arum told FanHouse that Mosley (46-6-1, 39 KOs), Marquez (51-5-1, 38 KOs) and Berto (27-0, 21 KOs) are Pacquiao’s top considerations.
