By Mark Vester
Despite some protests from Manny Pacquiao's team members, Bob Arum of Top Rank would still like to match the Filipino champion against Humberto Soto of Mexico on November 15 in Las Vegas. He told the Manila Bulletin that while people want to see Pacquiao face Ricky Hatton, he still needs to stay busy on route to a possible Hatton showdown in 2009. Arum told the paper that a final decision on Pacquiao's next opponent may not come until next month.
"I will not make a decision until I talk with Manny," said Arum. "But right now we are looking at Soto and while people are saying that Manny should fight in big-money fights, Manny has to keep busy because we will be doing the Hatton fight next year. Soto is excited to fight Pacquiao and he will be ready and it’s going to be a tough fight for Pacquiao."
Pacquiao is expected to be ringside on July 26 in Las Vegas for Miguel Cotto vs. Antonio Margarito. Arum expects to sit down with the fighter during that weekend to finalize the details on his next fight.
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