Pacquiao set to decide on next foe on Aug. 3

CEBU, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao's next opponent will most likely be known on August 3.

The eight-division world champion said that Top Rank chairman Bob Arum will be coming over to the Philippines on the said date to discuss some important matters with him including his possible opponent for his scheduled November 10 fight in Las Vegas.

"Arum will be in the country on August 3. Maybe by that time, I can already decide who I'm going to fight next," said Pacquiao.

The fighting congressman from Sarangani Province is in town to grace the joint birthday celebration of Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña and his wife Margot.

Pacquiao arrived at 3:35 pm yesterday at the Mactan International Airport. He was immediately whisked away to the Imperial Palace Hotel where he was accorded with an elaborate welcoming rites.

Pressed further on who he wants to face next, Pacquiao said everything will be finalized after his meeting with Arum.

In previous reports, however, Pacquiao has been very vocal on his desire for a return bout with Tim Bradley so he can take back his WBO welterweight crown.

Pacquiao lost to Bradley last June 10 in a highly questionable split decision considered by ring experts as boxing's biggest robbery in recent memory.

Due to the clamor of disgruntled fans all over the world, the WBO ordered a rescoring of the fight. The five-judge panel commissioned by WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel unanimously scored the bout in favor of Pacquiao. However, the WBO could not overturn the judges' decision.

A fourth showdown with the Mexican punching dynamo Juan Manuel Marquez is also being considered, with some quarters saying it is more lucrative than a Bradley rematch.

But for Cebuano topnotch promoter Rex "Wakee" Salud, Pacquiao will probably opt for a Bradley rematch, saying that "a fourth fight with Marquez is a big risk because if ever Pacquiao loses, it will surely derail all the plans for a superbout with Floyd Mayweather."

Pacquiao will be in town for two days. He will go back to Manila on Friday to prepare for his fellowship ministry on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Pacquiao said he is forced to divide his evangelical service into two sessions - from 2 to 5 pm and from 7 to 10pm - because of the magnitute of people who will be attending his event.

"This is a gathering of people from all walks of life. Everybody is welcome. I want everybody to be enlightened by the words of the Lord and help them restore their faith in God," said Pacquiao, who admirably threw off all his vices following his religious reawakening. (FREEMAN)