Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The ink is dry, and the bout is finally set.
Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao is set to defend his world title against Australian fighter Jeff Horn on July 2 in Brisbane, Australia.
In a text message to CNN Philippines, Pacquiao adviser Mike Koncz revealed that the Filipino welterweight champion has signed the contract to formalize the bout.
“Yes, we signed the Jeff Horn contract this morning,” Koncz said.
This comes after talks for a proposed fight between Pacquiao and British boxer Amir Khan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) failed to come to fruition.
Koncz also revealed that they are still working to make the Pacquiao-Khan bout a reality.
“I am still working on putting a deal together to fight Amir Khan in October or November, etiher in the Middle East or the Philippines,” Koncz added.
This will be Pacquiao’s first fight since his unanimous decision victory over Jessie Vargas last November in Las Vegas, Nevada.
According to Koncz, just like his previous bout, Pacquiao will hold his entire training camp in the Philippines with long-time trainer Freddie Roach flying in seven weeks before the fight.
