Manny Pacquiao's next fight appears to not be a rematch against Floyd Mayweather, but against Adrien Broner.
According to Spin.ph, Pacquiao told the publication on October 17 that he is going to fight four-time world champion Adrien Broner some time in mid-January 2019. Pacquiao made the announcement when he was introduced as the latest ambassador of International Sports Promotion Society or ISPS Handa at Makati Shangrila Hotel.
"Broner, Adrien Broner. I think either January 12 or 19," Pacquiao said.
The report comes after Pacquiao had reportedly signed with Al Haymon, creator of Premier Boxing Champions. Broner, who also fights for PBC, has not competed since April when he fought Jessie Vargas to a draw.
The fight, if it does happen, would help serve Pacquiao as one to build up to a potential rematch against Mayweather. Pacquiao would be making his first WBA “regular” welterweight title defense against Broner, ranked No. 7 at welterweight by the WBA. Pacquiao won the title earlier this year with a knockout win over Lucas Matthysse.
Both Pacquiao and Mayweather had a face-off in Japan in September to discuss a rematch from their 2015 fight when Mayweather defeated Pacquiao by unanimous decision. Mayweather came out of retirement last year to fight then-UFC champion Conor McGregor in Las Vegas. Mayweather defeated McGregor by TKO in the 10th round to improve his record to 50-0.
