Pacquiao to fight twice in 2015

MANILA, Philippines - Whether it’s against Floyd Mayweather or not, Manny Pacquiao is going to fight twice this year, according to his chief adviser, Mike Koncz.

“We’re under contract to have two fights,” said Koncz when asked of Pacquiao’s plans for 2015.

Pacquiao’s contract with Top Rank is good until the end of 2016, and it’s most likely hooked with HBO.

Mayweather, of course, remains the top priority. But if the American remains as elusive as before, then Pacquiao will have to look somewhere else.

His promoter, Bob Arum, said if it’s not Mayweather, then Pacquiao will fight someone else in April, and most likely the fight will take place in the United States.

Mayweather will return to the ring in May regardless of the opponent.

Koncz said a few days ago that negotiations are still on for the Mayweather fight, and Pacquiao is doing everything to make it happen.

Weeks ago, Koncz told Pinoy scribes the same thing.

“Manny said the fans deserve the Mayweather fight and we’re doing everything that we can possibly do other than say that we can fight for free to make it happen,” said Koncz.

“It’s really up to Floyd. If he wants to cement his legacy and pull his head up when he retires he’s got to give the fans what they want,” Koncz added.

Pacquiao, who has proven that he still has the speed, the power and the hunger, has gotten tired facing all the questions about Mayweather.

No matter where he’s at, the 36-year-old Pacquiao is asked when he’s going to fight Mayweather.

“Of course we’ll make substantial money but that’s not the driving force behind the reason Manny wants the fight. He’s an entertainer. He likes to entertain the fans,” said Koncz.

There’s a short list of potential opponents for Pacquiao, and they could be anyone among those in the 140 or 147 pound divisions.

Koncz is not  throwing out any names because, “If the opponent knows we’re looking at them they’re going to jack up their prices.”

One thing Koncz could assure Pacquiao fans is that he’ll do two fights this year. They’re looking at Macau for the second one.

“Based on what we’ve discussed in the past I believe the way it stands now we’ll fight in Macau once a year – in November,” said Koncz.