Manny Pacquiao May Have Movie Role, Fight Deal Soon -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

Seven division titlist Manny Pacquiao is being considered for a small, perhaps cameo role in an American made martial arts action movie, and a deal to pursue his eighth crown could be struck "in the next three or four days," his adviser, Michael Koncz, told FanHouse.

"They're a company that is interested in doing something with Manny. They want to do some action movie with Manny, but not as the main character," said Koncz. "I told them that because of our time constraints, we'll consider a proposal where he's a guest in the movie and I'll present it to Manny. I told them we don't have the time to do anything more than that. They produced Dr. Dolittle and worked with Eddie Murphy."

In the meantime, Pacquiao's handlers are going ahead with plans for the fighter to pursue his record eighth crown in as many different weight classes against either WBA junior middleweight (154 pounds) champ, Miguel Cotto, or WBC No. 1 contender, Antonio Margarito on Nov. 13.

That fight, if a deal can't be made with undefeated Floyd Mayweather, would take place either in Mexico or Abu Dhabi even as Las Vegas remains a consideration among the sites for the Filipino star to defend his WBO welterweight (147 pounds) crown.

"I met with [Top Rank Promotions CEO] Bob Arum last night for more discussion at 9 p.m., and we're going to Tijuana, Mexico, to discusss the plans with Fernando Beltran, who is the promoter for Antonio Margarito," said Koncz. "On Thursday, Bob has asked me to postpone my trip to the Philippines to accompany him and Fernando to Monterrey, Mexico to look at the site there."

Koncz also said that Abu Dhabi "is very much in play" to host Pacquiao's next fight.

"We have a representative in Abu Dhabi, and they have until July 28 to close the deal with them," said Koncz. "If they don't close the deal by July 28, then we'll move on to Mexico. We have to have significant time to promote the fight."

The MGM Grand in Las Vegas is also being considered, although, for tax reasons, Pacquiao is looking to fight out of the United States.

"Frankly, Manny loves Las Vegas, and he loves the hospitality of the hotels there. They treat us like family over there at the Mandalay Bay, and it's always a pleasure to be at The Hotel, which is part of the Mandalay Bay. Unfortunately, the economics are forcing us to go outside of the country. It's not definite that we will go outside of the country, but it's something that we're pursuing," said Koncz.

"The numbers have to be right for us to move outside of the United States. That's what we're working on and looking at right now. As far as the opponent, both fighters are willing and ready to fight Manny whenever we decide on a venue," said Koncz.

"I've had personal talks with Miguel over dinner. Making the agreement with the two opponents is the easiest part of this promotion," said Koncz. "I would think that we should have a verbal committment in the next three, four days, and by the end of the week, we should have a good indication on what is going to happen."

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com