[Inside The Ropes]: Manny Pacquiao’s return to the ring

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has released a statement in regards to boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao’s return to the ring. He is pushing for a fight in either April or May and according to Arum he is looking to set up a fight with one of three fighters. A fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, a rematch with Miguel Cotto or a showdown with undefeated WBO champion Timothy Bradley. Pacquiao has already defeated Marquez two out of their 3 encounters with one being a draw, however all three fights have been disputed and Manny has yet to have a clear cut victory over his mexican rival. His other option is a rematch with the now rejuvenated 154 pound champion Miguel Cotto, he did defeat Cotto in November of 2009 via 12th round TKO. Miguel Cotto had had a slow but steady come back since then going 3-0 with all victories coming by way of stoppage and avenging his loss to Antonio Margarito. Cotto is 37-2 with 30 KOs, after avenging his loss to Margarito earlier this month he is looking to avenge his only other professional loss which is to Manny Pacquiao. The final option for the Pac-Man’s next fight is undefeated champion Timothy Bradley who is now moving up in weight and has been very open in saying he is ready for a super fight, especially one with Manny Pacquiao. With Floyd Mayweather Jr recently being sentenced to 90 days in jail that puts the mega fight on hold for the time being, the only other option I can see happening would be a possible bout with Lamont Peterson who just defeated Pacquiao’s stablemate Amir Khan. Freddie Roach, trainer of both Khan and Pacquiao has stated he would love to make this fight happen and avenge his loss as a trainer. As Bob Arum says, these are just options he is presenting to the champ right now and he plans on meeting with him during the first couple of weeks in January to decide what route they are going to take, but really it is all up to Manny at this point. Me personally, with the Mayweather fight out of the picture for now I would love to see either a fight with Bradley or even a rematch with Miguel Cotto who does appear stronger, and more focused on avenging his losses and cementing his own legacy in boxing history.