Pacquiao confirms Broner as next foe

As he formally accepted his new role as the newest global ambassador of the International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS Handa), Sen. Manny Pacquiao bared who’s up next for him. “Broner, Adrien Broner. Either Jan. 12 or 19.” The eight-division champ said the looming showdown with American Broner (33-3-1, 24 KOs) likely in Las Vegas, is a “90 percent done deal” and he’ll focus on this first before sitting down for a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“He (Mayweather) is coming back but may fight pa ako sa January, We’ll discuss it after my fight,” he said.” If this fight happens, I want cinco de Mayo or July. But for now, let’s focus first on Broner.”

Pacman said he’ll start the initial stages of training for Broner next week. “Dito lang, marami pang trabaho.”

Pacquiao came off a seventh round knockout of Argentine Lucas Matthysse to capture the WBA regular 147 lb title last July in Kuala Lumpur, marking a return to form for the hardhitting Pinoy legend.

Pacman said he wouldn’t promise another stoppage but said: “I’ll do my best. If we can beat him earlier than seven round, we’ll try.”

Meanwhile, Pacquiao was formally appointed the latest ambassador of ISPS, a Japanese charitable institution that has gained renown for its active involvement and sponsorship in major global golf tournaments and played a major role in the promotion of blind golf worldwide.

“It’s a great honor to be an ISPS Handa ambassador,” said Pacquiao, who also received a $100,000 donation for his Emmanuel and Jinkee’s Heart Foundation from ISPS Handa’s executive director Midori Miyazaki and country director Kevin O’Brien Wednesday night.

“I was able to meet Dr. Handa earlier in Japan this year and we have become good friends since then. Since we are both sports enthusiasts, we share the same vision of using sports to bring people together and promote world peace and I’m happy to know this is the same vision that has inspired ISPS Handa since it began,” he added.