Manny Pacquiao news: Filipino champ might make final decision on next fight this week

Manny Pacquiao announcing his fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. back in 2015Reuters/ Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Eight-division world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquaio is reportedly close to coming up with a decision on his next opponent. There are speculations that Pacquiao will return to the ring this April and there is a lineup of fighters wanting to face the Filipino champion.

Pacquiao nor his Top Rank promoter Bob Arum have not dropped any name to be Pacman's next opponent. In an interview with the Filipino news outlet TFCBalitangAmerica, Arum said, "We certainly have the plans and who the opponent is but I'm not going to say it until Manny approves it."

According to The Philippine Star, Pacquiao said he would make a decision this week about his next bout with February just around the corner. The Philippine senator did not drop any hints about his next foe. Pacquiao will face a little time crunch with more than two months of preparation if he confirms his opponent for April this week.

A few great fighters were recently tied to Pacquiao, including Mike Alvarado, Terence Crawford, Vasyl Lomachenko, and more. Golden Boys Promotion star Lucas Matthysse also wants a shot at fighting Pacquiao. Matthysse who recently defeated Tewa Kiram via knockout wants a big fight next. "I'm here for the best and biggest names. I want the rematch with Danny Garcia or Manny Pacquiao. Those are the big fights I want, though of course, that will be up to Mario Arana and Golden Boy Promotions," Matthysse told BoxingScene.

Pacquiao's next fight might also take place in another venue instead of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Filipino boxing star in need of a big win after the controversial and disappointing loss to Australian boxer Jeff Horn back in 2017. The potential rematch between the two were shut down and Top Rank is hoping to prepare a big one for Pacquiao's comeback.