Manny Pacquiao's agent confirmed Wednesday that the Filipino boxing superstar's next fight will be April 16 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, but his opponent is not yet known, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Promoter Bob Arum said the hope was to set up the bout the boxing world wants to see — Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Although they have twice failed to unite the pair in the ring, Pacquiao's team know an agreement at the third attempt would secure a fight of unparalleled interest that would cement his place among the sport's all-time greatest fighters. Last month Pacquiao turned in what some say is the greatest performance of his career — a beat down that sent Antonio Margarito to the hospital and lifted Pacquiao's record to 52-3-2.
But if the Mayweather camp failed to express an interest in the next few weeks, Pacquiao would fight Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez, California's Shane Mosley or Haitian-American Andre Berto.
It would be a third showdown between Pacquiao and Marquez -- the first a draw in 2004 and the second a win to Pacquiao via a split decision in 2008.
Mosley, 39, lost heavily to Mayweather in May but, according to the report, the Pacquiao camp favors that bout because of Mosley's name recognition in America.
Berto is an unbeaten welterweight champion, but not a drawcard.
