MANILA: Manny Pacquiao said on Sunday he was still wanted a rematch with Jeff Horn after the Filipino boxing hero pulled out of their scheduled bout in Australia later his year.
Queensland鈥檚 premier, whose state government was the financial backer of a Nov. 12 fight, announced on Friday that Pacquiao 鈥渃annot return to the ring鈥� due to other commitments.
鈥淚t will not push through there in Australia. But we are bringing the fight here in the Philippines,鈥� Pacquiao said on radio station DZBB, adding negotiations were ongoing.
鈥淭his will be good for our country鈥檚 tourism.鈥�
Pacquiao, 38, had initially called for a rematch after losing his World Boxing Organization welterweight title to the 29-year-old on points Horn in a major upset in Brisbane on July 2.
Pacquiao, who has won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, had demanded a review of the bout but the WBO declared Horn the clear winner after a panel of judges re-scored the fight.
Now in the twilight of a 22-year professional career, Pacquiao has not stopped an opponent in eight years and briefly quit boxing last year to pursue his long-held political ambitions and was elected senator.
But he quickly made a successful comeback against Jessie Vargas in November, saying he still felt like a youngster.
Pacquiao has defied calls to retire for good, including from his family and celebrated American trainer Freddie Roach.
Pacquiao dismissed funding concerns about hosting the multi-million dollar fight in the Philippines.
鈥淲e have lots of friends who are supporting us including our tourism (department). The president is giving his all-out support,鈥� Pacquiao said referring to his political ally Rodrigo Duterte.