Manny to choose from Marquez, Bradley, Cotto

MANILA, Philippines - All Manny Pacquiao has to do is choose from among the “usual suspects” and it’s on for his next fight either on Nov. 10 or Dec. 1.

But the Filipino boxing superstar can’t seem to make up his mind if he wants another fight this year following a bitter loss to Tim Bradley last June.

A big question in everybody’s mind is if Pacquiao wants to fight anyone else other than undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr.

But the bigger question is if Pacquiao, who has his hands tied with his congressional duties and his bible preaching, still wants to fight at all.

Is he done with boxing?

If the answer is “No,” then why can’t he decide on his next fight or tell the world he wants no other fight than the superfight with Mayweather in 2013?

“This is what happens when you’re dealing with a politician. Affairs of state come first,” Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, told the LA Times yesterday.

Arum said Pacquiao can choose from among Juan Manuel Marquez, Miguel Cotto and Bradley for his next fight.

Of the three, it was reported yesterday that Marquez, the aging Mexican warrior, has the inside track because he has already come to terms with Top Rank.

Marquez, who turned 39 last Thursday, is dying for a fourth fight with Pacquiao following a draw in 2004 and two controversial decisions in 2008 and 2011.

Marquez feels he was robbed of a win on all three occasions, and he wants another shot before he becomes a grandfather. He would settle for less than what Bradley or Cotto wants.

Besides, a fourth fight between Pacquiao and Marquez could offer the best pay-per-view revenue among the three possible fights.

Arum sounded clueless on what Pacquiao really wants.

“I can’t go blabbing to the press, who will trust me? I have no date set, nothing,” he told the LA Times.

Arum was in Manila a few weeks ago, hoping to make Pacquiao decide on his next fight. But he flew home empty-handed.

It remains that way.

Pacquiao is home in General Santos City, busy as ever as a congressman, and a bible preacher. He’s getting ready to host a big religious gathering on Aug. 31.

It seems that boxing is far from Pacquiao’s mind these days.

The world can only wait so long.