• Welterweight

Pacquiao opponent known on Monday

ESPN staff
August 24, 2012
Manny Pacquiao is tipped to confirm a rematch with Timothy Bradley © Getty Images
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Promoter Bob Arum claims an announcement on Manny Pacquiao's next opponent will finally be made on Monday - and the November 10 date is still in play.

Earlier this week, Pacquiao's adviser Michael Koncz revealed that he requested the bout was moved to December 1 because of the Filipino's "personal affairs".

Now Arum has shed light on those affairs, saying they relate to Pacquiao filing his candidacy to become governor of Sarangani provence.

Arum is adamant that Pacquiao does not have to return to the Philippines in October in order to do this, and instead can "have an authorised representative file his papers for him", meaning November 10 is back on the table.

"Everything will be decided by the weekend. I have had meetings with everyone and by Monday afternoon we will announce the place, the opponent, and the date," Arum told Eight Count News.

"Don't go overboard on this statement that the fight has to be on December 1."

Pacquiao is expected to announce he will face either Timothy Bradley or Juan Manuel Marquez, although Miguel Cotto is reportedly also a possibility. However, there is no chance of a Floyd Mayweather Jr clash.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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