Manny Pacquiao has reportedly revealed that he is in negotiations with retired boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Amir Khan for what would likely be his last fight before focusing on his political career in the Philippines. Pacquiao stated last month that it's all right if he does not get a rematch against Mayweather. Meanwhile, Khan has been linked as the Filipino boxer’s next opponent in his comeback fight next year.

Pacquiao apparently confirmed to news agency AFP at the AIBA World Boxing Championships in Doha that he is in talks with Mayweather and Khan. However, the Filipino boxing icon did not specify in his statement his next opponent before he runs for a higher post in the Philippine government before the national election in May.

"I am going to fight probably before the election,” Pacquiao said, Stuff reports. “The election is coming next year, May, and before that I will probably have one fight.”

However, Top Rank Promotions boss Bob Arum played down Pacquiao's revelations about a possible rematch with “Pretty Boy.” Arum was reportedly shocked with Pacquiao’s claims as the American businessman considers Mayweather retired and insisted that he had not contact anyone about a rematch.

"I have no idea what he's [Pacquiao] talking about," Arum told Yahoo Sports. “Mayweather is retired and I take him at his word. But second, you know there is no way that Mayweather is ever going to fight in the Gulf, even if he does decide to fight again, so it's all [expletive]."

Arum considered the reports as a product of a language barrier, saying that English is Pacquiao’s second language, and the AFP reporter’s English might not be good as well.

Mayweather retired last month following another easy victory against Andre Berto, extending his record to an unblemished 49-0. Pacquiao, meanwhile, has been recovering from surgery on his torn rotator cuff, which he suffered during his fight against Mayweather earlier this year. He has also hinted his retirement from boxing to focus full-time on politics.

Meanwhile, it was previously reported that Arum has devised a five-man list of potential foes for Pacquiao’s return in the boxing ring, with Khan said to be the leading candidate to book a fight with the boxer-turned-politician. While Arum confirmed he has been talking to Khan’s representatives, the boxing promoter admitted that three other fights will also be considered.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.