The veteran boxing legend was offered the chance to share a bill with recent foe Jeff Horn, who scored a highly controversial points win over Pacquiao in Brisbane last year.
Aquiles Zonio, acting on behalf of Pacquiao in an interview with ESPN, recently revealed the reason behind the contest being rejected.
“He’s (Pacquiao) not fighting Alvarado. He rejected Bob Arum’s offer to fight (on the) undercard of the Crawford-Horn fight,” Zonio explained bluntly.
“It’s an insult to him. The world knew who won that dirty fight in Brisbane. It was the biggest broad daylight boxing heist.”
Pacquiao himself has now informed Philippine TV station ABS-CBN he will look to entertain his fellow Asian fans in a May or June blockbuster to be revealed soon.
“Definitely, Malaysia is where we will fight. If not May, this coming June, maybe third week of June, so the preparation will not conflict with my work (as a Senator),” said Pacquiao, before answering the question of why Malaysia with: “because those in Malaysia appealed to also have a fight there.”
Opponents are currently in short supply for the ‘Pacman’ – with a title shot looking unlikely due to the champions focusing on other bouts.
Keith Thurman already has a date in place in the United States, whilst Errol Spence faces Carlos Ocampo on June 16.
Horn in obviously tied to a defense against Terence Crawford, whilst the only real option would be to challenge Lucas Matthysse for a belt not currently recognized by the fans.
The Argentinian holds the WBA ‘regular’ version, with most seeing Thurman as the real WBA ruler due to his possession of the WBA ‘super’ championship.
