It seems that Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum is not the only one pondering on Manny Pacquiao’s next move. Todd DuBoef, the President of Top Rank, is equally curious on the eight-time division champion’s next move. Apparently, he shares the same views as Arum on what the future hold for the Filipino boxer/ senator.
DuBoef is also aware how Pacquiao’s duty as a Senator has been keeping the boxer busy.
As far as his next fight, he is also adopting a wait-and-see approach, boxingnewsonline.net reported. However, he does single out the fact that opponents like Jeff Horn and/ or Terence Crawford will not wait forever.
Boxing will not wait for Pacquiao decision
Little is known about what Pac-Man has planned since losing via a controversial decision to Horn. A rematch is expected though the venue has yet to be resolved.
Arum believes that the rematch should be held in Brisbane once more - a move seen to be more profitable. However, Pacquiao wants the rematch to be held in the Philippines since he already agreed to have the first match in Australia.
With Pacquiao and Arum failing to come up with something, plans for the rematch have now been moved to 2018.
Horn, in an effort to stay in shape, will face Jeff Corcoran this November. As mentioned in a previous post, the man called “Hellraiser” is considered a fringe contender. He is best remembered for facing Liam Williams in July 2016, a fight he unfortunately lost.
The 26-year-old opted to move down a division and it seems to be paying off. He faced Larry Ekundayo last July 8 and won via split decision. If Horn defeats Corcoran, options include Pacquiao or Crawford.
Anxious Top Rank executives
Horn has already set his roadmap which includes a rematch with Pacquiao. Unfortunately, that rematch is left hanging in the balance.
Pacquiao does have options – including facing someone else before meeting the former school teacher once again. But all this can only come to fruition if the 38-year-old fighter makes up his mind on what to do next.
Pacquiao and company have been so far mum on their plans moving forward. The venue of the fight has become a big deal, a demand that Filipinos and pro-Pacquiao fans find reasonable.
Revenues can also be generated in the Philippines. Also, the fact that Horn got home-court advantage only makes it fair to have the Pac-Man fight before his hometown. Arum seems to be against that plan and thus the stalemate. Could it change in the coming months?
For Pacquiao, that loss to Horn may be a stinging end. Aside from that, he has accomplished more than any ordinary boxer has probably done in the sport. Pacquiao is bound to again, probably not for revenge but to exit boxing on a high note.