Despite shifting his focus to the political sphere for much of the past few years as a senator in the Phillippines, Manny Pacquiao remains one of the more exciting boxers of the past decade. Although he couldn’t dethrone Floyd Mayweather, he still has quite the fanbase and is the holder of the WBO welterweight title after beating Jessie Vargas in November of 2016. Manny Pacquaio’s first fight of 2017 happen on April 22 against unbeaten Australian boxer Jeff Horn.
The venue for the match has not been decided yet, with Horn’s promoters pushing for it to take place in Australia. Other venues being considered are the Unite States and the United Arab Emirates. Jeff Horn is undefeated through 17 professional fights, and previously participated in the Olympics.
Bob Arum, influential boxing promoter, said that his goal is, “to have Pacquiao fight as many times as we can get away the senate duties as possible.” Arum goes on to suggest two more fights could happen after the initial April bout with Horn – one in July and another in October against Kell Brook, another welterweight titleholder. Not bad for a 38 year old.
There has been no talk of a rematch against Floyd Mayweather, since Mayweather is retired. However, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him come out of retirement.
[via ESPN]
