WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao recently signed a contract extension with Top Rank Promotions for another two years, up until 2016.
In a report by The Courier Mail, Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank, said that Juan Miguel Marquez is his primary choice to fight Pacquiao next. However, there are several other options available for Pacquiao, such as Amir Khan or boxers from Golden Boy Promotions. Although Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions declared that he did not want to transact with Top Rank Promotions ever, even if Arum is no longer with the company, Arum has been improving his relationship with Oscar De La Hoya. The relationship between De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer has been rocky in the previous months.
Even a much-awaited super fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather can happen if Oscar De La Hoya takes over the reigns of Golden Boy Promotions. GMA Network writes that Mayweather can face Pacquiao as soon as his contract with the Showtime network expires in 2016. According to Arum, Mayweather could be paid such a vast amount of money, which would make it difficult for him to refuse. "HBO is willing to do it. And you never know, anything can happen in 2016." Arum said.
Arum said, "We're talking Macau tonight, that's our first choice. But there are other options. We'll see what Vegas has to offer and there could be an offer from the Mideast. But it will probably be Macau."
In the meantime, Marquez seemed unenthusiastic about having a Pacquiao-Marquez V, after winning against the Filipino via knockout in the sixth round of their fourth match in December 2012. He said, "I'm not making a decision on Pacquiao right now. I felt great in the fight [against Alvarado] and I know I did a great job, but let me see how I feel in a couple of weeks."
According to The National, Pacquiao usually fights twice a year. Extending his contract until 2016 can mean that he has five fights and ends his contract at 38 years old.
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