MANILA, May 4 – Manny Pacquiao said Monday he will climb back into the ring in October to fight Floyd Mayweather or whoever his promoters deem fit after the Philippines boxing superstar took a sixth world title.
The awesome "Pacman" knocked out Ricky Hatton with a devastating left hook in the second round in Las Vegas on Saturday for his 10th triumph in a row and claimed the Briton’s International Boxing Organisation junior welterweight world title, equalling a record of six weight titles.
"My next fight will probably be in October or November," Pacquiao, who started his ring career as a light-flyweight, told DZBB radio here by telephone as he returned to his Los Angeles home.
He said he would go on vacation with his family while keeping an eye on the outcome of former undisputed welterweight champion Mayweather’s comeback fight on July 18 against Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez.
"I will probably fight Mayweather, but I am ready to fight whoever my promoters want me to face," he said.
Pacquiao took on then retired Mayweather’s title as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter after pummelling Oscar de la Hoya into retirement in December.
Manila newspapers on Monday feted the rags-to-riches Pacquiao, splashing huge pictures of his Hatton knockout on their front pages.
"The greatest fighter ever," the Philippine Star crowed, echoing a claim made by his US promoter Bob Arum.
"A great day for the Philippines," said the Manila Standard Today. "Pacquiao now boxing legend," said the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
His trainer Freddie Roach however suggested on Saturday that a big-money showdown with Mayweather will not happen any time soon unless the American comes down to 140 pounds, where the Filipino is the current king.
