Reports indicate that Adrien Broner, the four division world champion is being targeted as the potential final opponent for Manny Pacquiao for April 2016. According to a previous announcement from Pacman’s camp, they are looking at three different names as his potential contender.
They are Per Top Rank chief Bob Arum, Pacquiao former sparring partner Amir Khan, undefeated WBO light welterweight champion Terence Crawford, and WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley. These names comprise the short list of possible opponents for the eight-division world champion.
Meanwhile, Broner’s name was thrown into the mix and furthermore, the boxer himself talked about a potential match-up. Broner admitted that he heard the reports that they want him to fight Manny next. He admitted that Michael Koncz actually called him.
This was revealed in a report by Philippine media outlet called GMA News. A separate report by Boxing Scene indicates that Michael Koncz, Pacquiao’s advisor admitted that he got in touch with The Problem and also talked to his camp regarding a possible fight.
However, Koncz also added that Broner’s decision to make this information regarding a possible match-up public is something that shouldn’t have happened. According to BoxingScene, Koncz stated that Adrien should not have made the comments to the media in such a premature manner.
The 26-year old boxer is also known as the little brother of Floyd Mayweather and furthermore, he is slated to defend his WBA light-welterweight title against Ashley Theophane in 2016. He is a part of Mayweather’s Money Team.
Edward Chaykovsky of BoxingScene revealed in another report that Pacquiao’s fans are creating some heavy flak on Broner and a lot of people currently believe that he doesn’t really stand a chance against the world-famous Filipino Boxing Superstar.
In his trademark manner, the brash-talking Broner declared that whoever thinks this guy would beat him is a damn [sic] fool. Through social media, he declared, “I don’t lose to southpaws. #PointBlankPeriod.”
Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao and his advisor, Michael Koncz, declared that they will take their time in evaluating the possible options for his next contender. In this manner, they will look at their possible options regarding his comeback fight in 2016. Koncz told Steve Kim of boxingscene.com that they are in no rush.
They sat down and discussed their best option for Manny. He said, “Before I head back on the 9th [of January] I will sit down with Bob [Arum]. I think he’s flying in Christmas day and meet with him then or the following day.
But there won’t be an announcement on that day either because I still have a lot of things to hammer out with Bob as to which opponent, purses and some other issues.” Although the opponent is still unknown, Koncz revealed that the fight will take place on 9th April 2016 and MGM Grand Area in Las Vegas, Nevada is the probable venue.
Koncz told Bob that they have decided to keep the date. They will keep the pay-per-view date since it was approved by Manny last week and he told this to Bob in a message. All they need to do is work out the possible details of the final opponent.
In other news, Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao was really inspired by the win of Miss Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach in the 2015 Miss Universe pageant. He further declared that he is going to use her victory as an inspiration for his next match.
Pacquiao told the Philippine Star that people will remember how she promised all Filipinos that she will avenge his defeat to Floyd which happened last May. She ultimately fulfilled it during the Miss Universe pageant.
Manny stated, “I intend to use (Wurtzbach’s win) as an inspiration and additional motivation for me in my next fight. That’s why I also promise to dedicate my next fight to her and to my countryman and that I will do my best to win.”