Filipino boxing legend Pacquiao "90 per cent" sure of staging next fight in Abu Dhabi

Dubai: The Philippines' boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is "90 per cent" certain to stage his next fight in Abu Dhabi, according to his assistant trainer.

Noy Neri, Pacquiao's assistant trainer told Gulf News that Pacman wants to box in the UAE because of the legions of Filipino fans in the country.

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Asked how sure they were the fight would be staged in the UAE capital, Neri said: "It's not a closed deal but its 90 per cent because Manny wants it over in Abu Dhabi."

He said Pacquiao was more likely to take on Mexican-American Antonio Margarito in November's fight.

"It's more likely to be Margarito and not (Miguel) Cotto, but it depends on the negotiations," Neri added.

Antonio Margarito or Miguel Cotto has been touted as potential opponents for the seven-weight world champion, after Floyd Mayweather let a deadline to sign for a fight expire.   

Pacquiao, who has also recently been elected as a congressman in his home country, will begin his preparations for the fight in Manila in August.



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