Manny Pacquiao next fight news 2015: To return to the ring by first quarter 2016

Manny PacquiaoReuters

Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao is still on the road to recovery after undergoing surgery for his rotator cuff, although his progress is reportedly coming along just fine.

But despite that bit of good news, Canadian adviser Mike Koncz says that his fast recovery may not be enough to guarantee a fight by year's end. Hence, the best bet to see the eight-time division champion in a boxing match is by the first quarter of 2016 (between February to March).

"We have actually sent videos of Manny's activities to his doctor in the US," said Koncz in an interview with the Manila Bulletin.

With that covered, the next thing in people's minds is whom Pacquiao would be facing.

Despite some people clamoring for a Floyd Mayweather Jr. rematch, such doesn't seem to be in the cards of the Pacquiao camp. It could happen but, apparently, that is not in the air with both camps seemingly at odds especially after that disappointing May 2 bout held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Rather, it is Terrence Crawford who seems to loom as the Filipino boxer/lawmaker's next opponent; and he a fast-rising fighter who is set to get back into the ring this coming October against Mauricio Herrera, according to Mark Butcher of Boxing Monthly.

Aside from Crawford, there is also Amir Khan. The British southpaw recently claimed that he was approached by promoter Bob Arum for a possible clash with his former sparring mate.

Khan is, of course, left in the sidelines after being shunned by Floyd Mayweather Jr. as a possible opponent on Sep. 12, 2015. Reports, although unofficial, say that Mayweather has opted to face Andre Berto instead.

Despite Mayweather's earlier plans of his September bout being his last, many feel that the undefeated American boxer will continue to fight in 2016. And that is where speculations on a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II rematch come in.