Pacquiao’s next foe: It’s his call

Manny Pacquiao. STAR/File photo

MANILA, Philippines - If it’s a choice between Amir Khan and Danny Garcia as Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent, it will all depend on the Filipino boxer himself.

The decision will not come from his trainer, Freddie Roach, nor his promoter, Bob Arum.

The Top Rank chief told Sky Sports yesterday that Pacquiao, recovering well from the right shoulder injury, will make the decision when needed.

“This takes time,” Arum said.

Previous reports said Arum has started talks with the camp of Khan, the British fighter with Pakistani roots, regarding a fight early next year.

Arum has also mentioned the name of American Terence Crawford as a potential opponent.

Roach, on the other hand, was quoted as saying that he wants Garcia next for Pacquiao, who hasn’t fought since his May 2 loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr.

In that fight and even prior to it, the 36-year-old Pacquiao hurt his right shoulder, and tests showed a tear in his rotator cuff.

Pacquiao was told to stay out of the ring for the rest of the year.

Arum has not spoken to Pacquiao in length regarding the comeback fight.

“I will present everything to Manny and we’ll see what happens,” Arum also told Sky Sports.

Arum said Pacquiao has never ducked anyone, and never will.

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