MANILA, Philippines - Top Rank chief Bob Arum is all set to announce the rematch between resurgent Manny Pacquiao and undefeated Timothy Bradley.
Once the announcement comes, Arum and his team will work on the press tour that will have stops in Los Angeles and New York.
Pacquiao told The STAR he has chosen Bradley as his opponent on April 12 in Las Vegas although the final details are still being discussed.
Pacquiao will then head to Los Angeles to train for his first fight of the year and just over four months after his triumphant return to boxing.
The 35-year-old Filipino icon lost twice in 2012 against Bradley and Marquez then took an 11-month layoff before scoring an impressive win over Brandon Rios.
As he stayed off the ring, Bradley outpointed Marquez to keep the WBO welterweight crown he and a couple of judges snatched from Pacquiao.
The rematch will give Pacquiao the chance to avenge the loss.
But while there’s a Bradley fight to look forward to, people will continue to talk about the superfight between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.
The next time Pacquiao faces the media, questions about the Mayweather fight may outweigh those concerning Bradley.
A week ago, Pacquiao said he’s willing to fight Mayweather for charity.
Pacquiao also told The STAR he’s serious with his latest challenge to Mayweather.
“Hinahamon ko talaga siya,†he said.
Pacquiao’s adviser, Mike Koncz, recently spoke to Lem Satterfield of The Ring about the challenge, one that’s never been seen in the history of the sport.
Pacquiao must have had enough of Mayweather saying he’s been chasing the American like a “desperate dog†because of his tax problems.
“The fight would mean history, and Manny wants the fight with Floyd, and if that’s what the fans want, then that’s No. 1. No. 2, I don’t believe that it’s ever been done before where the entire purse has been given away to charity in a fight of this magnitude,†said Koncz.
“Manny is dead serious about that, and he’s willing to do it. I spoke to Manny tonight and he said ‘with both of us being wealthy, it’s our turn to pay back the people and to give to the less fortunate.’ That’s a quote from Manny. This is a statement that Manny has made that’s sincere,†he added.
If only Mayweather would agree, then the fight can happen later this year or early in 2015. Pacquiao also said he’s willing to take the drug tests.
“The drug testing is not an issue. There is nobody getting paid. The promoters would be allowed to withdraw their expenses, and the purses would go to legitimate charities,†Koncz told The Ring.
But is Mayweather listening?