MANILA, Philippines ? The short list of possible Manny Pacquiao opponents is starting to get longer.
Add the name of Lamont Peterson to the handful of guys drooling over the prospects of facing the Filipino superstar in mid-2012.
Even Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach likes the idea of seeing Pacquiao face off with Peterson, who just recently upset touted British hero Amir Khan.
Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico, Tim Bradley of the United States and Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico make up the short list being looked at by Top Rank chairman Bob Arum and Team Pacquiao.
But the 5-foot-9 Peterson told the online edition of The Ring that he is more than willing to rumble with Pacquiao.
Peterson, 27, has a 30-1-1 win-loss-draw card with 15 knockouts.
Roach said Peterson ?is a great opponent? for Pacquiao.
Arum said he will discuss with Pacquiao about their plans for 2012 towards the end of this month as they are set to meet in Las Vegas while the fighter is on vacation.
Now that Floyd Mayweather Jr. is out of the picture following his conviction for domestic violence, Arum has started to explore the possibilities of signing up an attractive foe.
Marquez and Bradley are the frontrunners since they, like Pacquiao, are both promoted by Arum.
Cotto is also on their radar screen but he might have to wait until 2013.
