Manny Pacquiao not ready to retire yet

Manny PacquiaoReuters

Manny Pacquiao is expected to make his ring return in early 2016, and initial word had it that the Filipino boxing icon was looking to take on at least two more fights.

It seems that the PacMan is now singing a different tune and could be resuming his boxing career anyway. Word about that development comes from no less than Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.

"I thought maybe Manny would fight one or two more times," Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, was quoted to be saying by ESPN's Dan Rafael. "And when I said that, Manny corrected me. He said he wants to keep fighting," Arum added.

This should be welcome news to Pacquiao and boxing fans, especially the ones who want to see him continue his boxing career. Although his last fight was a disappointment, seeing that he was outboxed by Floyd Mayweather Jr. last May 2, there are still some who believe that Pacquiao should have gotten more credit for being the aggressor.

Do also take note that the PacMan was nursing a shoulder injury in that fight, a revelation that, apparently, did not sit well with some fans, particularly the betting ones.

There is no official word yet on who will be Pacquiao's return bout opponent, but it is widely believed that Amir Khan is on the top of the list.

Aside from the Briton, other names in the list include Lucas Matthysse, Juan Manuel Marquez, Terence Crawford, and Kell Brook.

Khan is seen as the likely pick, seeing that both camps have already started talks even before the May 2 joust between Pacquiao and Mayweather.

For now, Arum is awaiting the official medical clearance from Pacquiao's doctor, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, before planning anything. The only thing certain right now is that the fight will take place in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao is still resting after undergoing surgery, but the green light for him to spring back into training could happen before 2015 comes to a close.