There have been a lot of questions lately about whether or not Manny Pacquiao will return to the ring. His promoter says he does not know the answer to that question, but he has taken steps to ensure he is prepared in case Pac-Man does want to fight again.
Yahoo’s Kevin Iole reports that Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum has reserved the Mandalay Bay on Oct. 15 for a potential Pacquiao fight. Arum also told Iole that Adrien Broner is an opponent they’re “considering” for Pacquiao, which goes along with what has been reported.
“I’m not sure Manny is going to return, but I believe he wants to return,” Arum told Iole.
Arum may not genuinely know whether Pacquiao wants to fight, but there also could be some strategy behind being mum.
Pacquiao said after beating Timothy Bradley in April that he was retiring. That was a necessary step in order to win a senate seat in his native Philippines, as there could have been an issue with Pacquiao receiving votes had the public believed he was still actively fighting. Also, given that Pac-Man just got inaugurated, it wouldn’t look so good if in his first days on the job, he announces he is going to fight again.
Based on Arum’s plans — you don’t reserve an arena like that unless you have a pretty good idea about a fight — we’re guessing Pacquiao ends up facing Broner in October.
