Pacman camp in no rush to pick next rival

MANILA, Philippines - There is no rush as far as choosing Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent is concerned.

Top Rank chief Bob Arum, who promotes Pacquiao, said he is still discussing the matter with the Filipino’s close adviser Mike Koncz.

In a report by Lem Satterfield of ringtv.com, Arum hinted that the decision on Pacquiao’s next assignment could extend “until August.”

Arum has booked the fighting congressman’s return bout on Nov. 23, with the Venetian Resort in Macau as the likely venue.

A handful of boxers have been brought up as possible candidates to slug it out with Pacquiao. Among them are Juan Manuel Marquez, Luis Carlos Abregu, Chris Algieri, Amir Khan and Danny Garcia.

Russian slugger Ruslan Provodnikov was originally in the list until he lost his WBO light welterweight title to Algieri recently.

All the aforementioned boxers except Marquez have expressed desire for a showdown with Pacquiao, which will definitely give them career-high paydays.

Algieri’s promoter Joe DeGuardia was the latest to go on record about it, stressing his ward wants a shot at Pacquiao.

“We want the fight, we’d love the fight, but ultimately, the decision is up to Manny,” said DeGuardia in the same ringtv.com report.

Algieri, who took Provodnikov’s crown via a split decision victory last June 14, is likewise open to a rematch with the Russian. But that is only secondary to a Pacquiao duel.

“There are a lot of possibilities, and a rematch is one of them. But the No. 1 priority would be a fight with Manny Pacquiao, because that’s the biggest mountain to climb at this point,” DeGuardia added.

Algieri and everyone else would have to wait for now. – Dino Maragay/Contributor