MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons isn’t giving up on arranging a fight for Manny Pacquiao before the year ends and Floyd Mayweather isn’t an option. Gibbons said he’s penciling in a Saturday date, either Sept. 26 or Oct. 3, for Pacquiao to return to the ring in Las Vegas.
“There’s a bunch of guys on the list,” he said. “We’re working on the best possible matchup.” Gibbons named WBA lightweight champion in-recess Gervonta (Tank) Davis, WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero, WBC No. 1 welterweight Conor Benn and IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro as candidates. Pacquiao hasn’t fought since holding then-WBC welterweight titlist Mario Barrios to a majority draw in Las Vegas in July last year. Gibbons said what will motivate Pacquiao to continue fighting is a shot at another world crown. If it’s for a world title, the options narrow down to either Romero or Paro. At the moment, Pacquiao is ranked No. 4 by WBO and No. 9 by WBC in the 147-pound division.
Gibbons said Mayweather never intended to engage Pacquiao in a regular fight where his undefeated record will be on the line. “Right now, he has a lot of things on his plate, like court cases,” he said. “Honestly, I don’t know if a rematch between Manny and Floyd will ever happen. He’ll be 50 next year and I’m not sure if fans will still buy the idea of a rematch 12 years after their first fight. I think all Floyd wanted to do was an exhibition but that’s not what Netflix had in mind. It’s an absolute mess.” Mayweather was slated to face Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis in an Athens exhibition last June 27 but was called off after promotions company CSI Sports Event went to court to file a breach of contract suit.
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