Manny Pacquiao rumours continue to spread

Rumours that Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao could stage his next fight in the UAE are beginning to gather pace.There have been suggestions that the 34-year-old welterweight fighter will avoid the US when looking for a location for his next bout and this could pave the way for a mega-bucks showdown with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in Dubai later in the year.Although he has had a number of epic battles in Las Vegas in recent years, sources close to Pacquiao have stated that he is weighing up other destinations for tax reasons.Indeed, Rose Tamayo, the fighter's spokeswoman, confirmed that the UAE was a real possibility.”Manny wants to fight outside the United States because of the taxes. Singapore is one of the top places for consideration. There is also Macau and Dubai,” she remarked.Pacquiao – affectionately known as “Pac Man” – is looking for revenge on Marquez, after he suffered a devastating sixth-round knock-out against the tough Central American boxer in Las Vegas in 2012. Talks between the two camps are thought to be ongoing.Ms Tamayo added that any bout would definitely be in September and a final decision on the opponent and destination will be made after the Philippines has staged its election on May 13th. Pacquiao – who is an immensely popular figure in his homeland – is hoping to be re-elected into the country's congress.Pacquiao has fought across numerous weights during his career and he has defeated some excellent boxers, including Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera and Oscar De La Hoya.Although the emirate has built up a strong reputation for staging massive international sporting events, attracting such a global megastar to Dubai would still be regarded as a coup.Dubai had been linked with a potential showdown between Pacquiao and undefeated US star Floyd Mayweather Jr in the past, which is the fight that the whole world wants to see. However, this looks increasingly unlikely, as the two camps have struggled to see eye to eye.