Pacquiao still undecided on next opponent

GENERAL SANTOS CITY— Boxing took a backseat on Friday as Manny Pacquiao hardly made mention of his career as a top fighter amid the growing confusion over the selection of his opponent for a comeback bout penciled for April 9 in Las Vegas.

As his camp and promotional team eagerly await his decision as to the identity of the guy he’s facing next year, Pacquiao said he hasn’t decided yet who among Terence Crawford, Amir Khan, and Tim Bradley would be his dancing partner at the MGM Grand.

“Wala pa akong desisyon,” said Pacquiao, who is neck-deep in political commitments but continues nevertheless to look in terrific shape despite the inactivity.

During his free time, Pacquiao regularly plays basketball and goes scuba diving as well.

Pacquiao’s last fight was against Floyd Mayweather Jr. last May when he tore his right rotator cuff that eventually had to be operated on.

Now that the operation has healed completely, Pacquiao is on the cusp of answering the question his fans are dying to know.

But it’ll take a few more days or even a few weeks especially if there is movement in the bid to convince Mayweather to come out of retirement so he and Pacquiao can get it on for the second time.

In the meantime, the only thing about boxing Pacquiao is into these days is the revival of the TV program Blow by Blow (Reloaded), which is set for a rousing revival tonight at the city gymnasium.

The fights will be aired starting Dec. 13 on TV5, which is holding the slugfest with the help of Black Mamba Energy Drink.

With former North Cotabato Gov. Manny Pinol, the promoter of Pacquiao’s world title defense in Davao in 2002, leading the way anew for Blow by Blow’s comeback, the event will open with 10 fights.