Pacquiao puts Bob Arum on suspense mode With fight just two months away, Top Rank exec awaits word from ring icon

Bob Arum is itching to make a Michael Buffer-like introduction of his April 14 show at Madison Square Garden in New York.

But the star of the show, Manny Pacquiao, has yet to formally commit, preventing the Hall of Fame promoter from doing just that.

"We are trying to get hold of Michael (Koncz) because I have to make the announcement soon (since the fight is just a little over two months from now)," said the 86-year-old Top Rank chief, referring to Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz.

Apparently, the camps of the main event fighters, Terence Crawford and Jeff Horn, tabbed to fight for the Australian's world welterweight crown, and the opponent of the 39-year-old Pacquiao, have agreed on the terms.

Arum is actually ready to start drumbeating his first big card for 2018.

"Instead of bringing the fighters over here for the press tour, we'll just use satellite television," said Arum from his Las Vegas home.

While a few names have been dropped, former world champion Mike Alvarado of Denver seems to be the frontrunner to land the Pacquiao payday.

Should Pacquiao agree, it will be the first time the eight-division champion will fight in the Big Apple, having fought almost exclusively in Las Vegas since 2001.

Last time he was in action, Pacquiao suffered an upset decision loss to Horn in Brisbane, Australia, last July.