Manny Pacquiao next fight rumors: Michael Koncz believes Pacquiao still wants to fight

Timothy Bradley Jr.(brown gloves) and Manny Pacquiao (red gloves)Reuters

Manny Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz is probably in the best position to determine if the Filipino boxer is indeed ready to call it quits. But based on his heart-to-heart talk with Pacquiao, Koncz feels that there is still fire burning inside of him.

Apparently, Koncz now shares the same belief earlier made by trainer Freddie Roach and promoter Bob Arum that Pacquiao is not going to retire for good. At some point, those beliefs could be justified, especially if a return bout would include someone named Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Regardless, all that is pure speculation. Pacquiao will be fighting his last match in Las Vegas on April 9 against Timothy Bradley Jr. before he venture off to a possible senatorial role which is expected eat up much of his time.

Although the match is tipped to be a decider since Bradley and Pacquiao are officially even in the win–loss column, many consider the Filipino boxer as the actual winner in their fight back in 2012.

Bradley took the first meeting via split decision and Pacquiao came back charging in 2014 to take home a unanimous decision victory.

A lot has changed, though, and such could play a crucial role. Bradley is now handled by a new trainer in Teddy Atlas, while Pacquiao will be trying out his recently repaired shoulder.

Pacquiao will buckle down to training once the press tour wraps up.

According to the Tempo Sports, Pacquiao plans to spend the first half of his training right at his hometown of General Santos City where his team will have better control of the people wanting to see and talk with the boxer/lawmaker.

With the stage set, it will be interesting to see if Pacquiao lives up to his billing as the favorite to overwhelm Bradley.

"Desert Storm" is coming off a big win over Brandon Rios, although many felt that Rios was totally out of shape rather than acknowledge the performance of Bradley.