By Steve Kim

2016 was a successful one for eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao (59-6-2, 38KOs) , who banked a dominant decision win over Tim Bradley in their trilogy bout in April and then came back in November to unseat once-beaten Jessie Vargas for the WBO welterweight title.

So when does the most famous senator from the Philippines begin his 2017 campaign inside the ring?

His promoter, Bob Arum told BoxingScene.com on Tuesday afternoon - "The truth is it would be sometime before the end of June. Now exactly when that will be I can't rely on anybody except going over there and meeting with the president of the senate and determine what the schedule is for the senate. His first job is as a senator and I can't influence when they have recesses."

"I know they have recesses scheduled but one I get the schedule of the senate going forward then I'll sit with Manny, we'll plan the date and we'll get an opponent."

Arum says he will head out to the Philippines in the near future, but that he will wait out typhoon season.

As for who will be Pacquiao's next dance partner, there are several potential names out there - including his Top Rank stablemate, WBO junior welterweight champion Terence Crawford. 

"That's up to Manny so I punt that to Manny. Manny will tell me and we have a number of opponents we're considering, a number of ways to go, a number of venues we're talking to about and nothing is going to be finalized till I go to the Philippines and do my due diligence," stated the veteran promoter."

Arum doesn't expect this upcoming bout to be Pacquiao's swan song.

"I think he'll fight at least twice more next year," he opined. "After next year, I have absolutely no idea."

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.