By Steve Kim
It's not clear just what the immediate future holds for future Hall-of-Famer Manny Pacquiao.
But, there is very good chance that his next bout could land on 'DAZN' - the new streaming platform which has made a sizable investment into the sport of boxing and is headed up by promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sports.
Hearn, while in Boston today to promote his October 20th card that will feature the match-up between WBO middleweight titlist Billy Joe Saunders and mandatory challenger Demetrius Andrade, met with representatives of Pacquiao, who on July 15th defeated Lucas Matthysse in seven rounds in Malaysia.
A source close to Pacquiao's camp tells BoxingScene.com that the meeting was very promising and that there is a possibility that the Filipino icon could be returning to the ring in December and the likes of Amir Khan (who is promoted by Hearn) would be a possible dance partner.
Pacquiao has made it clear that after a long-time association with Top Rank that he is now a promotional free agent and that all of his fights would be handled by his own company, MP Promotions.
According to Pacquiao, his promotional agreement with Top Rank had expired following his stunning twelve round decision loss to Jeff Horn in July of 2017.
Earlier this month, Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum flew out to the Philippines to sit down with Pacquiao for a face to face meeting, but no agreements were reached between the two. Pacquiao had indicated that he wants to fight three more times before retiring, with his final two fights coming down next year.
'DAZN', which is set to debut in the States in September has signed a few champions, most recently IBF 130-pound belt-holder Tevin Farmer, but as of yet hasn't signed a true marquee name to headline under their banner.
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.