By Steve Kim
So what's the latest on 'Planet Pacquiao'?
The last time we saw Manny Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 KOs), the Filipino superstar lost his WBO welterweight title when he was upset - losing a twelve round unanimous decision to unbeaten Jeff Horn in Brisbane, Australia on July 1st. It was the only fight of 2017 for the 38 year future Hall-of-Famer and it's not clear what the future holds for him.
There as a rematch being planned for November, as Pacquiao had exercised his rematch clause, but then it was canceled when the Filipino boxer cited a conflict with his work schedule as a senator in the Philippines.
When asked about the status of Pacquiao's career, his promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank told BoxingScene.com that his fighter is having a tough time juggling his full time job as a senator with a boxing career.
"Pacquiao is obviously, again, a full-time senator and he wants to fight - but he wants to continue as a full-time senator and it's very difficult for him to find the time to train and spar," Arum said.
Arum was really hoping the Pacquiao vs. Horn rematch would go through in November, but the entire scenario had to be reshuffled when the eight division champion withdrew.
Now, Horn makes the first defense of the WBO welterweight title he took from 'the Pac Man' on December 13th against British contender Jeff Corcoran. And the winner of that fight will have to make a mandatory defense against former junior welterweight king Terence Crawford, who is also handled by Arum.
And where exactly does Pacquiao fit in this situation?
A world title showdown with the last man standing.
"I think we're going to work on (Pacquiao) doing a fight in the spring and then to fight the winner of this (Terence) Crawford, Horn-Corcoran situation, the WBO champion," stated Arum.
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.