Horn-Pacquiao May Happen in 2018

Manny Pacquiao’s rematch with Jeff Horn can happen next year instead, according to Top Rank Inc. chief Bob Arum.

Speaking to ESPN Deportes, Arum said Pacquiao’s busy schedule in the Philippine senate will leave him with insufficient time to get in good shape for the rematch planned this November.

Instead, Horn, who stunned Pacquiao last month to take away the WBO welterweight strap, could end up with a different opponent prior to his rematch with Pacquiao.

“Manny is deciding if he wants a rematch this year or next year. If he decides to postpone it, we will make a fight for Jeff in November against a good opponent in Brisbane.”

Arum will reportedly fly to Manila soon to clear things up with Pacquiao, who while interested in fighting the Australian in a rematch, has not committed to the fight.

When asked about this, Arum claimed that…

“I imagine he has many duties as a senator, he is no longer a young guy and the last fight was very physical, and he may need more time to get ready for a rematch. We’ll know in the next few days.”

Finalizing Pacquiao-Horn 2 depends largely on Pacquiao, as the Horn and his team have allegedly made arrangements to make the fight happen again at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.

Yet, when asked at the launch of a home-and-away basketball league that he’s backing, Pacquiao said “nothing is definite yet.”

While there are plans to stage the fight in Pacquiao’s backyard of Manila, they are contractually obliged to do the rematch only in Australia.

Horn, for his part, is sure to return to the ring in November — be it against Pacquiao or someone else.

“Horn would fight one of the best welterweights and try to do the same kind of business, maybe not the same as he would have done with Pacquiao and we’ll have to adjust prices, look for a smaller place, but if Manny cannot fight until the next year – we have a young champion and we have an obligation to keep him active.” said Arum

Original Story: PhilStar