Broner fight almost done – Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao said he is closing in on a deal to fight former four-division champion Adrien Broner in January next year.

“Ninety percent done na yung Broner fight (The fight is 90 percent done),” the reigning WBA welterweight champion told reporters during a promotional appearance at Shangri-La Makati Wednesday night.

Pacquiao said the fight is being eyed for either January 12 or 19, likely in Las Vegas where he has held his biggest bouts.

The Filipino icon, who has been a promotional free agent, reportedly aligned himself with influential but reclusive boxing figure Al Haymon, who advises Broner and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

As it turns out, Broner will be Pacquiao’s lone hurdle to a rematch with Mayweather, who outpointed the fighting senator in their megabuck showdown three years ago.

Broner, 29, has held titles at junior lightweight (130 pounds), lightweight (135), light welterweight (140) and welterweight (147). He sports a record of 33-3-1, with 24 knockouts.

Pacquiao said he will start training next week in the Philippines, adding he wants to turn in a better performance than his seventh-round stoppage of Lucas Matthysse last July to annex the alphabet title.

“I'll do my best. If we can beat him (Broner) earlier than seven rounds,” said Pacquiao.

If Pacquiao gets past Broner, the Mayweather rematch could come as soon as May next year. 

“Basta laban tayo. He (Mayweather) is coming back. We'll discuss after my fight (with Broner),” said the Filipino star, who crossed paths with Mayweather at a rave party in Japan last September – a “chance” meeting that eventually led to the rematch talks.

“If that fight happens, I want Cinco de Mayo (May 5) or July,” Pacquiao said.