By Lem Satterfield
According to Michael Koncz, adviser for Manny Pacquiao, the Filipino champion's next opponent will not be announced for at least one to two weeks. Pacquiao's return is slated for May 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The three fighters under consideration are "Sugar" Shane Mosley, WBA/WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez and unbeaten WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto. Mosley is viewed as the frontrunner to land the fight.
Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum is in the Philippines to celebrate Pacquiao's 32nd birthday. He is currently discussing the three proposed opponents with Pacquiao and Koncz.
"We haven't made a decision, and we don't plan on making one for the next week or two," said Koncz, having previously labeled Mosley as the most economically viable of the three fighters, even though Marquez, who is promoted by rival Golden Boy Promotions, has battled to a disputed draw and lost a split-decision, respectively, against Pacquiao.
"What's the hurry? We're deliberating over the decision, and we're talking to Bob Arum about all possible opponents, and we'll figure it out next week," said Koncz, who expects Arum to leave for a return to America on Dec. 19. "After Manny gets back to Arum, he will contact the other camps, and then we'll see what's going on."
Lem Satterfield is the boxing editor at AOL FanHouse and the news editor at BoxingScene.com. To read more from Lem Satterfield, go to AOL FanHouse by Clicking Here.
