Dubai is in the running to host Manny Pacquiao’s next fight after the Filipino boxer’s manager confirmed he will return to the ring to fight World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Jessie Vargas.
Pacquiao, 37, defeated Timothy Bradley on April 9 in what was thought to be his farewell fight to focus on his political career. He was elected to the Philippines Senate in May.
However, Pacquiao, an eight division world champion, has performed a U-turn on his boxing career and will face Vargas on November 5.
"Retirement doesn't suit Manny right now," Michael Koncz told the Los Angeles Times. "It is amazing what training and fighting does for him."
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Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, recently revealed he was involved in meetings to discuss the location of the fight, with Dubai and Las Vegas the leading options.
American Vargas (27-1-0) said on Friday he is in talks with Pacquiao’s camp to hold a fight at the Thomas & Mack Center arena in Las Vegas.
Koncz told the Times that he would travel with Arum to Philippines next week to meet with Pacquiao and pick a site.
“That’s the essence of the meeting,” Koncz said. “Not choosing an opponent. That’s already done.”
The UAE has been considered for high-profile fights in the past. Two-time world champion Amir Khan has continually expressed a desire to fight in the Emirates, with Pacquiao touted as a possible opponent.
The UAE was also suggested by the Pacquiao camp for his showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr, although Mayweather refused any possibility of hosting the fight outside Las Vegas.
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