• Welterweight

Arum eyeing Asia fight for Pacquiao

ESPN staff
April 2, 2013
Manny Pacquiao could face Juan Manuel Marquez for a fifth time in Asia © Getty Images
Enlarge

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has confirmed that Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring in September is likely to be held in either Macau or Singapore.

Arum is over in China to promote his company's April 6 card which will see two-time Olympic gold medallist Zou Shiming make his professional debut at The Venetian resort. The resort also owns casinos in Las Vegas and Singapore, although the promoter believes Asia to be the most likely venue for the Pac-Man's return.

"He is fighting in September," Arum said to ESPN.com. "I don't know against who and I'm not exactly sure where, but it looks like Macau or Singapore.

"They own both properties there [in Macau and Singapore], so it doesn't matter," Arum said.

Arum recently hinted towards hosting a super-tournament featuring four of his Top Rank stable, including a potential fifth bout between Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, who knocked the Filipino out in December 2012 and left him motionless on the deck.

While Pacquiao has already stated he would be interested in a rematch with Marquez, Arum has also touted current WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley Jr and Brandon Rios as possible opponents for the 34-year-old.

"It will be one of those three guys, at 147 [pounds]," Arum said. "My idea would be if [Pacquiao] fought Marquez, we do Bradley against Rios if Rios wins (his rematch with Mike Alvardo)."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices