Pacquiao back in ring Nov. 24

MANILA, Philippines - Mark your calendars for Manny Pacquiao’s return to the ring on Nov. 24.

Pacquiao’s chief adviser, Mike Koncz, yesterday announced that they’ve chosen the date for Pacquiao’s next fight that will take place in Macau.

But Koncz said he’s not yet ready to name the opponent.

“I don’t want to put my hand on table (and reveal the frontrunner) because people are going to demand more money,” he told www.boxingscene.com.

“We are definitely fighting in November, on November 24th (Nov. 23 in the United States) and it’s definitely in Macau.  As to an opponent, we are still working on that,” he said.

Koncz is in Las Vegas, burning the lines with Top Rank chief Bob Arum, the possible opponents and Pacquiao. He said he will fly to the Philippines next week.

And when he does, he should be carrying the fight contract for Pacquiao to sign.

Mike Alvarado and Brandon Rios are being considered as the next opponent for Pacquiao, who is in the longest layoff of his career.

The last time he was inside the ring, and that was last December, he got knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez, and months before that he lost to Timothy Bradley.

Pacquiao had wanted either fight so he could avenge the losses, but Marquez and Bradley, for their own personal reasons, turned down juicy offers from the Filipino.

Marquez was offered $13 million but wanted more, and Bradley was being given $6 million, and he also wanted more. They will end up facing each other in September or October.

Koncz said the choice between Mike Alvarado and Brandon Rios will depend on the money, and perhaps a million or two can make either boxer sign the contract. 

Koncz said Alvarado or Rios will make “perfect opponents” for the 34-year-old Filipino.

“I think it’s a question of which one is not going to overprice themselves,” he told Rick Reeno of www.boxingscene.com.