Horn camp eyes Pacquiao rematch in April 2018

MANILA, Philippines – If the camp of Jeff Horn would have their way, a rematch with Manny Pacquiao will be staged in April next year.

That’s the preference of Glenn Rushton, the wealthy Brisbane-based investment banker who is also Horn’s chief trainer.

Pacquiao-Horn 2 was supposed to happen this November, but things have gone south for various reasons, and now the 29-year-old Australian is set to defend the WBO welterweight title against another fighter.

Horn is expected to take care of unknown British boxer Gary Corcoran in December before thinking about another clash with Pacquiao.

Rushton said he had to keep his ward busy with another fight this year, a follow-up to Horn’s huge upset over Pacquiao at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia last July.

"July to December that's five months, that's certainly long enough out of the saddle," Rushton recently told the AAP.

"Manny Pacquiao isn't available, we need to keep him fighting we need to keep him active,” he added.

Pacquiao is occupied with his duties in the Philippine senate, causing his boxing career to take a backseat.  Even Pacquiao’s longtime promoter Bob Arum is clueless as to the Filipino icon’s plans regarding his return to the boxing ring.

The Top Rank Inc. chief is even open to the idea of Pacquiao retiring from the sport.

Rushton, for his part, just wants Horn to remain as sharp as possible in anticipation of another go with Pacquiao.

“The plan is to get this one (Corcoran fight) done and then hopefully next April we'll get Pacquiao back to Brisbane," the trainer said.