Clock ticking on Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – Bob Arum, who said he’s pushing through with his April 9 card with or without Manny Pacquiao, has given the Filipino superstar a deadline to decide whether he’s in or out.

The STAR asked the Top Rank chief yesterday how long can he wait for Pacquiao to decide.

“The end of the year,” was his reply, and that means in the next couple of days.

Arum did not elaborate but sounded like he’s running out of patience waiting for Pacquiao, who said that his next fight may be his last.

Pacquiao is running for senator in the May 11, 2016 Philippine elections, and if successful, he said he might decide to quit boxing.

“Being a senator would require all your time,” said Pacquiao.

Arum had been waiting for Pacquiao to choose from Tim Bradley or Terence Crawford or Adrien Broner as his next opponent.

But the eight-division boxing champion doesn’t seem to be in a hurry even if Arum had said he can’t wait forever for Pacquiao.

Reports said Pacquiao is pursuing a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr., and that could be the reason for the delay.

Arum already has a date and venue, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and he wants Pacquiao to decide as soon as possible because it’s not easy to put up a card.

There’s a ton of work that goes with it, particularly on the promotional side.

In a recent interview with boxingscene.com, Arum said there’s no backing off from the date he has in mind.

“That is my concrete plan, April 9th. I’m going with a show in Las Vegas, hopefully headed by Manny Pacquiao,” he said

“If not, we’ll find other talent to go on. But April 9th we’re definitely going ahead at the MGM arena,” Arum also said a couple of weeks back.