Arum books November 24 for Pacquiao return

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao’s ring return has been scheduled for November 24, Top Rank chief Bob Arum revealed.

In a podcast interview by 8countnews.com, Arum said he will be taking Pacquiao to Macau this time to fight at the same venue where Top Rank successfully held the professional debut of Chinese boxing star Zou Shiming.

Arum was satisfied with the reception for Zou’s fight in Macau last April that he decided to stage Pacquiao’s comeback bout there.

“He's (Pacquiao) fighting November 23rd, that's the date in the United States, November 24th, that’s the date in Macau. He's gonna fight in Macau, at the Venetian CotaiArena. And we're finalizing now his opponent,” said the ageless promoter.

Pacquiao’s options remain the same – heavy-handed fighters Brandon Rios and Mike Alvarado.

“It's Rios or Alvarado,” Arum confirmed, adding that an announcement will come soon.

“I know that (Top Rank president) Todd (duBoef) is dealing with both camps. As soon as we strike a deal with one of the camps, we'll get the paperwork going and announce the fight,” he continued.

Pacquiao is stuck with either Rios or Alvarado after his preferred comeback opponents – Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez – decided to fight each other instead.