By NICK GIONGCO
Shortly before he turns 40 late this year, Manny Pacquiao will return to the ring as he revs up for what he describes as “a big fight” in April or May of 2019.
“Basta lalaban ako this December,” Pacquio said during a break in his Senate duties.
Pacquiao, who will be 40 on Dec. 17, has a target date for his much-awaited ring return: early December.
The UK media has been widely reporting that talks are rife that Pacquiao, who stopped Argentine Lucas Matthysse in Malaysia last July, is being wooed to showcase his wares either at London’s 90,000-seater Wembley Stadium or the 74,500-capacity Principality Stadium in Cardiff in Wales.
Pacquiao was mum over details for his next fight although British pride Amir Khan, a long-time sparring partner, is the guy being mentioned all the time.
Khan, however, has to hurdle past Samuel Vargas this weekend in Birmingham for him to remain relevant.
Pacquiao hasn’t fought in the UK although he made a brief visit there in 2009 during the promotional tour of his fight with Ricky Hatton.
While Pacquiao, whose seventh-round demolition of Matthyse in Kuala Lumpur was his first abbreviated win in almost a decade, is thrilled over his December comeback, he is more enthusiastic about that huge bout being lined up next year.
Told if it will be a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, Pacquiao didn’t say a word although there was something about the sparkle in his eyes and the glistening toothy smile.