Arum: Pacquiao-Injin Chi almost a done deal

By all indications, the arrow points to reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight champion In Jin Chi of Korea as the next opponent of Filipino ring superstar Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.

Top Rank big boss Bob Arum, whom Pacquiao entrusted to promote his future fights, told Michael Marley of boxingcofidential.com that "He has a good offer in front of Chi's handlers in South Korea and that he expects an affirmative response soon."

Arum's move came after WBC president Jose Sulaiman quelled any hopes of a Pacquiao-Marco Antonio Barrera rematch by approving the voluntary defense of Barrera, the current WBC super featherweight titlist, against fellow Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez, on March 17 in Las Vegas.

In addition, the WBC has approved Pacquiao to defend his WBC International crown against Injin Chi or another opponent in Macau, China.

Arum, on the other hand, divulged that the American business tycoon Steve Wynn is very thrilled that the fight will be staged at the latter's swanky Wynn Hotel and Casino in Macau, China on April 28.

"Steve Wynn is thrilled, of course," Arum said in the same internet report.

"The Filipinos will come because Manila is only an hour and 15 minute flight away. The Koreans will come in to gamble, enjoy themselves and support their guy also. This will be a huge event for Wynn's property, a signature sports event. This is a marketing dream for Macau all the way around."

Arum said he is pushing for the fight because "Pacquiao has strong base of viewers in countries far away from the Philippines."

"The Filipino guest workers are all over the world. They are in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. They say there are six million of them. We're pushing to make it so they will all be able to watch their hero also," said Arum.

Arum predicts that it's going to be an exciting match-up as the veteran Korean slugger has never been knocked out in his 15-year pro career. Chi once fought, but lost by decision to Mexican Erik Morales - the man whom Pacquiao beat two times by knockout.