MANILA, Philippines – Top Rank Inc. chief Bob Arum bared that Manny Pacquiao is looking to excuse himself from his duties as Philippine senator in order to stage his comeback fight.
Speaking recently to boxingscene.com’s Ryan Burton, Arum said Pacquiao has even brought up with the senate leadership the possibility of taking a leave of absence to train for a bout.
“He is going to fight. I don't know what the date is. He is working with the President of the Philippines senate for an appropriate date where he can leave the Philippines for two or three weeks to prepare for the fight,” the veteran promoter said.
Pacquiao recently ruled out an October return, saying the date is too soon since that would require him to train as early as August.
Even though the Filipino icon announced his retirement after defeating Timothy Bradley in April, there was widespread belief that he won’t stay out of the boxing limelight for good.
Talks about Pacquiao’s ring return have gained steam the past few weeks, especially when Arum reportedly reserved an October date and a venue for his prized ward.
There were also reports that a fight between Pacquiao and former multiple-division champion Adrien Broner was being negotiated, something embraced by Pacquiao’s longtime trainer Freddie Roach.
But Arum, for his part, said Broner priced himself out of the fight.
"That is correct (that Broner priced himself out). I was dealing with (Broner’s adviser) Al Haymon on making that fight. Al tried but Broner was asking for crazy money that nobody can afford so he is out and Manny is looking for another opponent,” Arum told boxingscene.com.
Arum sounded so sure about Pacquiao coming back that he said it is only a matter of figuring out how to make it happen.
“In any event, he is going to have to do most of his preparation in the Philippines – you know after he sits in the Senate – so it is going to be an interesting thing, but definitely he is looking to come back and the question is how can we arrange it,” he added.