If things don’t fall into place, the much-talked about rematch involving Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn could get pushed to 2018. The original date was set for Nov. 12 but it seems the eight-time division champion has yet to approve.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum bared through ESPN Deportes that Pacquiao has yet to decide on whether the rematch would take place this year or in 2018. He is expected to pay the Pac-Man a visit in Manila soon to get Pacquiao’s decision.
Too busy to decide
As most know, Pacquiao has a busy schedule. Aside from boxing, he also serves as one of the country’s senators.
Aside from that, he has ventured into other things like the hyped Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. As one can see, Pacquiao is again taking up more things that he can probably handle.
With those lined up, it seems almost certain that Pacquiao will have a difficult time to decide. More so, he may not have the time to train properly for a fight against Horn. That thought alone should be a cause for concern considering he needs to be in top shape to even the score with the former school teacher-turned-boxer.
Horn has a plan B
Assuming that Pacquiao opts to hold the fight in 2018, Horn will not be left idle. Arum adds that the Aussie will get a first-rate opponent though the fight will no longer be held at the Suncorp Stadium.
The reason for that is more on the impact that Horn’s first title-defense would have. Despite an aging Pacquiao, the Filipino boxing icon has proven he can still draw a crowd.
There is no official word for now on the possible names to be pitted against Horn. Chris Eubank Jr., Amir Khan, Kell Brook or even Billy Joe Saunders are names that come to mind.
Those names will probably come to play once Pacquiao announces his decision on the Horn rematch.
Delaying the rematch may be best
Pacquiao did have a sluggish start against Horn, most questioning his conditioning. The 38-year-old barely had an extensive training camp to prepare so delaying the rematch could make sense.
It gives him more time to prepare and ease the pressure of his extra-curricular activities.
With Horn proving to be a tough customer, Pacquiao may have to rebuild his stamina and figure out a way to maintain his speed and power against the Australian.
Arum adds that Pacquiao is no longer a young guy and the physicality of that first encounter may have taken its toll. Hence, longer time to prepare could be best for Pacquiao if he wants to even the score with Horn.