Bob Arum and Manny Pacquiao in Los Angeles (Photo: Chris Farina – Top Rank)

By Chris Robinson (www.HustleBoss.com)

Following a successful comeback performance against Brandon Rios on Nov. 23, Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao is slated for a ring return this April in Las Vegas, Nevada.

There were several question marks surrounding Pacquiao heading into the Rios clash, as his previous fight saw him stopped in horrific fashion by Juan Manuel Marquez, but he showed himself to be more than up to the task in winning a lopsided unanimous decision.

Speaking with Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum on Tuesday evening, he is certain the next opponent for the eight-division champion will be decided in the coming days.

“We’re going to decide before Christmas,” Arum explained. “We’ll [know] who he’s going to fight.”

Arum mentioned that the three names being tossed around are Marquez, Tim Bradley, and Ruslan Provodnikov.

Pacquiao has been in the ring with all three men, facing Marquez in four memorable encounters while dropping a split-decision to Bradley in June of last year. Pacquiao also has sparred several rounds with Provodnikov in recent years.

Asked what the appeal is of each fighter, Arum spoke logically.

“We’re talking to the pay per view people,” he stated. “Whatever makes the most sense.

“I don’t make appeals,” Arum added. “Whatever we decide, we’ll make an intelligent decision. And that’s who we’ll fight.”

PLEASE  CHECK  BELOW for all-access exclusives from the boxing world…

Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com