Pacquiao to return with Vargas fight in November

Manny Pacquiao will make his comeback fight against WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas in November, according to his manager Michael Koncz.

Pacquiao called time on his career after a victory over Timothy Bradley by unanimous decision in April, but, in July, promoter Bob Arum announced the record eight-weight world champion would be returning to the ring before the end of 2016.

This week Arum tweeted he would soon be meeting with Pacquiao in the Philippines to discuss plans for his next bout, which is reportedly scheduled for November 5.

Leaving for Manila next week to meet with @Manny PacquiaoTR to discuss plans for his November 5th bout.

And Koncz says Pacquiao has decided to fight Vargas, defeated by Bradley in June 2015, upon his return.

“It’s Manny’s decision,” Koncz told The LA Times. “Retirement doesn’t suit Manny right now. Boxing is in his blood.

“When he trains, it’s like a pressure-release valve. You can see a dramatic difference in his mood … he’s happy. It’s amazing what training and fighting does for him.”

Koncz, who will also be present when Arum and Pacquiao meet next week, claimed they will only be discussing a potential venue, with Las Vegas and Dubai the pick of potential destinations.

“That’s the essence of the meeting,” he said. “Not choosing the opponent. That’s already been done.”

A rematch with five-division world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr, who won their May 2015 bout by unanimous decision, could be on the cards in the future, but Pacquiao’s camp will not be seeking it out.

“We’re not going to chase Floyd. If Floyd wants to give Manny a rematch, of course we will entertain it. We’re not fools,” added Koncz.