Sunday, 23 August 2026 · Philippines
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BREAKING NEWS: PACQUIAO-ARUM MEETING IN MACAU CALLED OFF

The planned meeting between Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao and Top Rank promoter Bob Arum which was scheduled to take place in the gambling enclave of Macau on Tuesday has been called off.

Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today learned that Arum who was scheduled to fly to Macau today and rendezvous with Pacquiao at the plush Wynn Hotel & Casino had cancelled his plans.

Apparently Pacquiao wanted the fight with WBC featherweight champion In Jin Chi to be brought forward to April 14 instead of the original April 28 date. Sources close to Pacquiao indicated that he has probably decided to run for public office and wants the fight to be held earlier so he could ride the crest of a victory and have ample time to campaign.

However, Pacquiao continues to remain coy about his political plans saying that he has not yet decided. Persistent reports said he would run for Mayor of his hometown of General Santos City against longtime friend, incumbent Mayor Pedro Acharon .

The Commission on Elections will be confronted with a ticklish issue should Pacquiao decide to run in GenSan because he had transferred registration to Manila several months ago amidst rumors he would be the running mate of mayoralty candidate Ali Atienza, the sportsman son of incumbent Mayor Lito Atienza who is on his final term.

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