Boxing News: Bob Arum tells Manny Pacquiao to move on from Floyd Mayweather rematch

Top Rank Promotions boss Bob Arum urged Manny Pacquiao to move on from targeting Floyd Mayweather Jr. as his comeback opponent after the Filipino boxing icon expressed interest for a rematch with the retired undefeated fighter.

“He would like to fight Mayweather, but since this is his last fight, and looking at where we are on time, I told him he needs to forget about it and move on,” Arum said, according to the LA Times. “Manny’s willing to fight anybody, but he wants the best deal.”

Arum also revealed that Pacquiao’s next match early next year could be the Filipino’s farewell fight as he plans to focus on his political career in the Philippines. Arum said Pacquiao’s plans to run for senator in the May elections could result in a six-year commitment and extensive work that would require the boxer-turned-politician to be virtually present every day at the Senate’s office, which essentially makes a three-month training camp for a boxing fight impossible.

Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KOs) was linked to England’s Amir Khan as his potential comeback opponent. Among the pool of candidates that includes Juan Manuel Marquez, Kell Brook, Terence Crawford and Viktor Postol, Khan was listed as the favourite to fight Pacquiao next year.

However, according to The National, Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) has pulled out from the negotiations about a possible bout with the Filipino. Khan was reportedly disappointed that Pacquiao and his team did not sign the contract for their 2016 clash, saying that he will not wait around for the former eight-division titlist like he did for Mayweather, who turned him down several times.

However, Arum insisted there was no contract on the table, revealing that he had only spoken to Khan’s attorney, Robert Davis, about the numbers. “Nobody can figure out why [Khan] is saying that,” Arum said. “If there’s no contract to sign, who’s stalling who?”

Pacquiao is expected to pick an opponent after Timothy Bradley fights Brandon Rios in early November, according to Arum. The Filipino boxer has previously revealed that his shoulder injury, which he suffered during his fight against Mayweather in May, is almost healed. Pacquiao said he will start training in November or December.

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