Top Rank not holding on to Manny

NEW YORK CITY – Manny Pacquiao’s contract with Top Rank is good and valid until the end of 2016, but because of inactivity due to injury, the contract was extended until mid-2017 or so.

“It was extended to the period he was injured,” said Top Rank chief Bob Arum.

Pacquiao hasn’t fought since May last year, since he dropped a unanimous decision to Floyd Mayweather Jr., and had his right shoulder repaired.

He was supposed to fight twice this year. But he couldn’t. And if indeed his April 9 match with Timothy Bradley is his last, then where does that leave him?

Arum said retirement doesn’t leave Pacquiao with any obligations with Top Rank.

“If he retires, he retires,” said Arum.

“A boxer or an athlete can retire when he wants to retire. He has no obligation to me to continue fighting,” said the 84-year-old promoter.

Arum is not holding on to Pacquiao, who is running for senator.

“We wish him well. I wish him well,” Arum told the packed Crystal Ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel Tuesday.

“It’s not like he’s breaking his contract and fighting for another promoter. But if he wants to fight after this fight, he can fight and I will promote him,” Arum said.

Pacquiao has had a handful of promoters before he joined Top Rank in 2005.

It’s where he landed the big fights, rose to superstardom and became the face of boxing.

“What a privilege it’s been to promote you,” Arum told Pacquiao.

Yet, he’s not totally closing the doors.

“If this isn’t the last time, I’d be happy to come up here again and introduce you for another fight,” Arum said.

Anything is possible in boxing.