Manny’s next fight: Who, where, when?

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao remains undecided when and where he’s going to fight next, and who the opponent would be.

It could be in April or September, either in Macau or Mexico City, against Juan Manuel Marquez or someone else.

“Nothing is definite,” said Pacquiao’s chief adviser, Mike Koncz, who added that right now anything or everything is possible.

“Manny hasn’t made his mind up when he’s going to fight or who he’s going to fight or where he’s going to fight. I’m in negotiations with Top Rank right now on Manny’s behalf, but we haven’t made any decisions yet,” Koncz said in a RingTV article.

Pacquiao was knocked out cold by Marquez last December in Las Vegas, and there’s a clamor for a fifth showdown between the two great champions.

But Marquez said a few days ago “there’s no point” in doing the fight because the 39-year-old Mexican has already achieved the result he wants.

Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, said the fight is going to happen.

Arum said there’s no reason for Marquez to avoid Pacquiao when he knows it’s the only fight where he can get what he wants.

“As long as he’s fighting, he’s not a fool. Of course he’s going to fight Manny rather than fight somebody for a lot less money,” Arum said.

Marquez was guaranteed $6 million for his fourth fight with Pacquiao, and made a little more from the other revenues.

Once he agrees to do another fight with Pacquiao, he will certainly get more than any other Mexican boxer had earned in a single fight.

Arum sees Marquez’ moves as “posturing” and “negotiating.”

Pacquiao said he wants a tune-up fight in April before he faces Marquez a fifth time later this year. But all these are in the air because there are other possible opponents like Brandon Rios or Robert Guerrero.

Pacquiao’s business manager, Eric Pineda, recently told The STAR the fighting congressman is having second thoughts about an April fight.

For one, time is running out to do such a fight, and there’s great difficulty looking for a venue.

Pacquiao is running for re-election in May, and while he’s running unopposed, he needs time to focus on the bid of his wife Jinkee and his younger brother Roel.

Jinkee is seeking the post of vice governor in Sarangani while the younger Pacquiao, a barangay captain, will run for congressman in General Santos City. 

Pacquiao can skip an April fight, focus on the elections, and get ready for September, against anybody he wants.