Manny Pacquiao reveals he is in talks to fight again - and then announce retirement plans

Dubai among the leading contenders to host Filipino's 72nd bout

Manny Pacquiao celebrates his split decision victory over Keith Thurman in their WBA welterweight title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena, AFP

Manny Pacquiao hugs Keith Thurman after winning their welterweight title fight by split decision. AP Photo

Manny Pacquiao celebrates after defeating Keith Thurman by split decision. AP Photo

Freddie Roach gives his instructions to Manny Pacquiao between rounds. AP Photo

Manny Pacquiao, right, and Keith Thurman exchange punches in the 10th round. AP Photo

Keith Thurman, left, and Manny Pacquiao exchange punches in the eighth round. AP Photo

Keith Thurman, right, throws a punch against Manny Pacquiao. AP Photo

Manny Pacquiao lands a shot against Keith Thurman during their WBA welterweight bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Reuters

Manny Pacquiao (R) connects with a punch on Keith Thurman during their WBA welterweight title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena. AFP

Manny Pacquiao, right, and Keith Thurman exchange punches in the fifth round. AP Photo

Manny Pacquiao reacts after knocking down Keith Thurman in the first round. AP Photo

Manny Pacquiao, left, after kniocking down Keith Thurman in the first round. Reuters

Manny Pacquiao has confirmed talks for his return to the ring are ongoing, saying also that plans for retirement will be announced alongside his next bout.

The Filipino, now 42, has not fought in almost two years, since his split decision victory against the previously unbeaten Keith Thurman in Las Vegas. That victory secured Pacquiao the WBA "super" welterweight title, although he was later declared champion in recess because of inactivity.

A number of possible opponents have been mooted for Pacquiao, who had been seeking to fight as early as last summer only for his plans to fall foul of the coronavirus pandemic. At present, Mikey Garcia is believed to be the favourite to face the eight-division champion next.

There were reports last month that Pacquiao was in talks to take on undefeated WBO champion Terence Crawford in Abu Dhabi, but The National understands that was never a concrete option. However, Dubai remains a strong possibility for the Filipino senator's next bout, either this summer or in September, in what would represent the 72nd of his illustrious professional career. Speculation has swirled that Pacquiao, whose record stands at 62-7-2, might retire by the end of this year.

Speaking late on Monday during a virtual media briefing in the Philippines, Pacquiao commented on his next fight, saying: “The negotiations are ongoing. I will not go into details so that there will not be any problems.”

Asked about retirement, he added: “We won't answer that for now, because that is part of the negotiations. That will be included in the announcement.”

Pacquiao, who said also he would have “no problem” should the bout be staged in the United States, is reportedly preparing to run for president in 2022.

Quizzed on Monday about his aspirations for the head political post in the Philippines, Pacquiao remained coy.

"I didn't become a boxer to fight in four-rounders or 10-rounders; I boxed to become a world champion," he said. "Any politician, even a barangay chairman, dreams of becoming president.”