By Miguel Rivera

Eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao, one of the most popular fighters in the sport of boxing, could very well fight in Mexico City next April.

Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 KOs) has been out of the ring since July of this year, when he traveled over to Brisbane in Australia and suffered a controversial twelve round decision loss to local star Jeff Horn before a crowd of 51,000 at Suncorp Stadium.

He was scheduled to rematch Horn in November, but withdrew from the dates citing conflicts with his work schedule as a senator in the Philippines. His ring return is now being eyed for April.

Promoter Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions - arguably the biggest promotional company in Mexican boxing - is planning to stage a massive event in Mexico City next year, to celebrate the 25 year anniversary of Zanfer.

Beltran is already in negotiations with Pacquiao to have him headline the event - on a date in the month of April..

If Beltran is able to secure Pacquiao, the event would then likely take place in Arena Mexico.

Pacquiao is extremely popular in Mexico due to this memorable fights with the biggest names in the history of the country. Pacquiao squared off three times with Erik Morales, twice with Marco Antonio Barrera, four times with Juan Manuel Marquez, and even collided with Antonio Margarito.

Beltran stressed that Pacquiao is one of the most important pugilists in history, "and especially of the 11 years since boxing returned to broadcast television in Mexico."

The promoter made it clear that he has the opportunity to secure Pacquiao.

"I do not want to waste [the opportunity to get him], I will fight until I secure him," Beltran said.

"We are in talks, nothing is certain, but we are making the attempt because Mexico deserves to see him."

Pacquiao is promoter by Bob Arum of Top Rank. Arum and Beltran have had a very close working relationship for over two decades. The two of them have co-promoted countless fighters from Mexico.

In a recent interview with BoxingScene.com, Arum did mention Mexico as a potential location for Pacquiao's next fight.