MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent should be known by next week.
But it won’t be Mike Alvarado, the veteran contender being pushed by Top Rank Inc. boss Bob Arum to be the Filipino icon’s dance partner.
According to Pacquiao’s media relations officer Aquiles Zonio, the details of the boxer’s ring comeback, including the final date, will be revealed by next week.
“It (fight) will be officially announced maybe next week,” Zonio told Philstar.com in a text message.
Asked if Pacquiao will be fighting Alvarado, Zonio replied “No.”
He declined to provide more information, saying he’s not authorized to do so.
“Just wait for the official announcement,” Zonio added.
Arum and Top Rank had originally planned to have Pacquiao fight Alvarado in the undercard of the Terence Crawford-Jeff Horn bout this April, an idea that reportedly does not sit well with Pacquiao’s camp.
Additionally, Pacquiao needs at least eight weeks to train for a fight, making an April schedule out of the question.
Pacquiao, who last saw action in July last year against Horn, had earlier declared he’s interested to fight WBA champion Lucas Matthysse. The Argentine boxer, however, is promoted by Top Rank’s chief rival Golden Boy Promotions.
Arum’s penchant for doing everything in-house — putting up cards featuring only fighters promoted by or allied with Top Rank — is well documented, making Pacquiao-Alvarado the clearest option for the veteran promoter.
But with Alvarado now out of the picture, the identity of Pacquiao’s next foe remains a mystery.