adminLAS VEGAS. — Manny Pacquiao signed a contract extension with Top Rank on Tuesday that will likely keep him with the promotional company for the remainder of his illustrious boxing career.
The deal that Pacquiao signed will take him through December 31, 2016, when he will be 38-years-old.
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum said the contract will continue “as usual,” meaning two fights a year, including one in the spring and one in the fall.
Pacquiao’s promotional deal with Top Rank chief executive Arum through the end of 2016 is likely to scuttle any chance to fight unbeaten US rival Floyd Mayweather.
Fans have long sought a showdown between Filipino southpaw Pacquiao, 56-5 with two drawn and 38 knockouts, and Mayweather, 46-0 with 26 knockouts.
But Mayweather (37) has vowed never to fight Pacquiao while he is promoted by Arum and the new deal carries Pacquiao (35) to the point where he has indicated he would likely conclude his career.
Pacquiao is a lawmaker in his homeland and could choose to focus on politics or his business and entertainment interests.
But until the end of 2016, he looks ready to provide boxing fans more excitement.
Pacquiao plans next to fight in November in Macau, China.
Juan Manuel Marquez, coming off of a big win over Mike Alvarado on Saturday, will be offered the fight.
If he declines, Top Rank plans to pursue Ruslan Provodnikov.
“These guys are like family to me,” Arum said. —AFC.
Online Reporter