Apparently, Bob Arum has already decided Manny Pacquiao’s next move without even meeting with him to discuss the options. According to reports, the wily promoter is moving forward with his original plans for the 8-division world champion to return to the ring some time in June. Speaking to Nick Giongco of the Manila Bulletin, Arum supposedly stated that Pacquiao’s next fight will take place on June 9 or June 16 against “a soon-to-be-named opponent”. Pacquiao’s legal adviser, Atty. Franklin Gacal, echoed those sentiments in a separate report.
“If Floyd has got a lock on May 5 in Las Vegas, then that leaves us with no other choice but to fight in June. Mr. Arum knows that,” Gacal would tell Abac Cordero of the Philippine Star. On Sunday, both Arum and adviser Michael Koncz are traveling to the Philippines to meet with Pacquiao and present him a list of four names to choose from – Juan Manuel Marquez, Timothy Bradley, Miguel Cotto, and Lamont Peterson. When news first broke of Floyd Mayweather’s surrender date being postponed until June, Pacquiao was reportedly delighted, telling Nick Gionco, “That’s a better match,” suggesting that he would raise the matter of a Mayweather showdown with his promoter. Arum, however, made it clear that he would not be speaking to Pacquiao about the possibility of facing Mayweather on May 5, telling ESPN’s Dan Rafael, “Absolutely not. Nope…We’re fighting in June, one of the four guys.”
