With negotiations for a second meeting against Mayweather stalled because of the American’s legal issues, Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur confirmed that the team is now working on an alternative.
“We’re working on it. We’re looking at different options,” Mathur told The Ring. “We want to be very careful; of course, we are under contract at this time, but yes, we are working on trying to get an alternate fight or something in place for Manny at this moment. We want it to be the right opportunity with the right partners, and also so he has enough time for his camp against Floyd.”
Mathur’s comments indicate that the Mayweather rematch remains the ultimate target, but only after Pacquiao returns to the ring once beforehand.
Finding the right opponent could prove difficult. If Pacquiao pursues another world title, the available champions are largely tied up with other commitments. WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney is expected to satisfy his mandatory obligations, while other leading names have their own promotional and scheduling issues.
That could leave Pacquiao looking toward a high-profile non-title bout instead. A commercially attractive fight against Rolando Romero or Ryan Garcia would likely generate significant interest, although neither matchup has been announced.
Pacquiao’s team has confirmed only that discussions are underway. Until the Mayweather fight is back on track, the Filipino legend appears set to make at least one more appearance against a different opponent before attempting to renew one of boxing’s biggest rivalries.
