Manny vs Floyd: Deal or no deal?

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao has yet to name his opponent for April and news spread like wildfire yesterday that he’s all set to face Floyd Mayweather Jr. in September.

Pacquiao’s adviser, Mike Koncz, was quick to douse cold water on the news.

Koncz told The STAR a few days ago he and Pacquiao have yet to seriously talk about the Filipino boxer’s next fight scheduled April 12 in Las Vegas.

He said Pacquiao wanted the holidays to be over “before he decides on his next fight and opponent.”

Koncz also told boxing observer Ronnie Nathanielsz yesterday “it has to be Manny or himself to confirm this (Mayweather) story and advises us not to believe it until either of them do.”

But news also came out a few days ago that Pacquiao is pursuing talks with Mayweather who had said the fight will only happen if Top Rank is not part of the deal.

Mayweather had a bitter falling out with Bob Arum in 2006 and the boxer said he’d ever do business with the legendary promoter again.

Pacquiao will soon fly to the US in the hope of meeting Mayweather. Koncz is already in the US.

Koncz said there are a few names they’re looking at and they include Timothy Bradley and Ruslan Provodnikov. Others now being mentioned are Amir Khan and Danny Garcia.

The name of Mayweather is always in the list but the American superstar may be looking at Marcos Maidana as his opponent for May 3.

Still, reports that came out yesterday said Mayweather and Pacquiao have agreed to finally do the fight in September.

It was unclear where the story originated from but an article that came out of the International Business Times said the fight will “finally take place in September 2014.”

“Great news in the world of boxing. He [the source] is telling me that Floyd and Manny Pacquiao will be fighting in 2014 guaranteed and it’s already done,” the story, quoting 78 Sports TV, said.

Hold your horses on this one.