On Pacquiao’s go signal, Arum sets fight
By NICK GIONGCO
Manny Pacquiao’s return fight will be held on Nov. 5 after Top Rank chief Bob Arum conferred with the Filipino fighter.
Arum had earlier penciled Oct. 29 but Pacquiao’s team asked for a one-week delay, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Pacquiao, 37, elected to the Philippine Senate last May, made it clear that he will not allow his training to get in the way of his legislative duties if ever he decides to fight again.
After easily beating Tim Bradley last April, Pacquiao announced his retirement from the ring so he could focus on his political career.
Arum said that if Terence Crawford wins against Viktor Postol of Ukraine in their showdown this weekend, he will be a prime candidate to face Pacquiao.
But not to be overlooked is Jessie Vargas, a 27-year-od Las Vegas favorite.
If Pacquiao opts to fight at welterweight (147 lbs), Vargas, an Arum-promoted puncher, will likely be tapped to meet him.
Crawford, who also fights under the Top Rank banner, fights at super-lightweight (140 lbs).
Once Arum finalizes everything, Pacquiao is expected to set the stage for his buildup that will be held in Manila so he can attend to his Senate duties.
Being considered to host Pacquiao’s headliner are the MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay Events Center and Thomas and Mack Center.