Arum says Pacman will return

MANILA, Philippines – American promoter Bob Arum said Manny Pacquiao shouldn’t hesitate coming out of retirement if it’s for a second fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Pacquiao has announced that he’s hanging up his gloves after his April 9 showdown with Timothy Bradley so he could focus on his job as a public servant.

The congressman from Sarangani is seeking higher office in the May elections. He’s shooting for one of 12 senatorial slots at stake in the polls.

Based on the latest survey, Pacquiao stands a solid chance.

Arum respects Pacquiao’s decision to retire but said if and when an opportunity for a rematch with Mayweather comes, Pacquiao shouldn’t hesitate.

It could happen.

But first, Pacquiao must win impressively in April that even if he retires, it would whet the appetite of fight fans clamoring for a second “Fight of the Century.”

“If this is a great fight and Floyd comes out of retirement and they want to do a rematch, I don’t care how busy he (Pacquiao) is in the Senate. I think he will return,” Arum said.

“Even if he has to train on the floor of the Senate,” added the legendary promoter.

Before he announced his plans to retire, Pacquiao has openly expressed his interest to fight Mayweather one more time, when he’s “100 percent” fit.

Mayweather said it’s not happening.

“As of right now, I don’t have the urge to fight,” Mayweather told Brian Kenny of World Boxing News.

Did Mayweather mean that he might have the urge to fight again in the near future?

That’s what Bob Arum is saying.

“That’s why I didn’t want to sell this fight as his last fight. Who knows what Mayweather’s going to do,” he said.