By Edward Chaykovsky
According to Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum, World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight champion Terence Crawford and top welterweight contender Amir Khan are the leading candidates to face Manny Pacquiao in his final career bout on April 9th.
Crawford (27-0, 19 KOs) was in action two weeks ago, when he knocked out Pacquiao's former sparring partner Dierry Jean.
Khan (31-3, 19KOs) is the more lucrative option of the two. He was last seen in the ring on May 30th, winning a twelve round unanimous decision over Chris Algieri.
Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KOs) is almost fully healed after undergoing right shoulder surgery for an injury that he suffered during his May decision loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr.
“Manny told me that his last fight will be held in April 9 next year. His next potential opponent could be anyone between Crawford and Khan,” Arum told The Manila Times.
“But everything is still under negotiation. We’ll make a formal announcement soon. Crawford and Khan are both competitive boxers. Manny told me in New York that it will be his last fight because he is running for a senatorial seat. I hope he gets elected.”
Arum told the paper that Pacquiao’s Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach is more interested in a fifth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, who rejected any idea of doing that bout.
“Freddie’s main choice is a fifth fight with Marquez by the way, but Marquez is not interested,” Arum said.
