By NICK GIONGCO
NOW that Floyd Mayweather is signing a different tune, Manny Pacquiao is looking to defend his world welterweight crown in January in the US.
Mayweather came out on TMZ yesterday, declaring that instead of proceeding with a rematch with Pacquiao in December, he is now planning to make an appearance in Tokyo against a handpicked foe.
Last week in Tokyo, Mayweather taunted Pacquiao and challenged him to a rematch in December and the Filipino readily accepted it.
But after days of wheeling and dealing, Mayweather’s camp decided that it would be better to push the Pacquiao rematch to mid-2019.
With Mayweather looking elsewhere, Pacquiao wants to keep busy as well and making the first defense of the World Boxing Association (WBA) 147-lb crown is foremost on his mind.
“The working dates are January 12 or January 19,” said a member of Pacquiao’s inner circle.
Pacquiao had won the WBA title last July in Malaysia where he battered Argentine slugger Lucas Matthysse.
“At least the public knows that it was Floyd, and not Manny, who pulled out from a fight because Manny is more than willing to get it on with Mayweather,” said the Pacquiao insider.
The first time they fought in May 2015, Mayweather outpointed Pacquiao in 12 rounds and Pacquiao later revealed that he fought with an injured right shoulder that was fixed through an operation two days later.
