HOLLYWOOD - The bright lights and glitz of Las Vegas remain a big attraction to Manny Pacquiao.
"I like the atmosphere in Vegas," he said.
The statement came in the wake of pronouncements made by his promoter Bob Arum that Pacquiao is likely to fight next in Macau just before the year ends.
Pacquiao enjoyed a huge success fighting at the Cotai Arena inside the Venetian Hotel last year when he beat Brandon Rios by unanimous decision, prompting Arum to reconsider coming back in the former Portuguese colony.
"The Venetian told me whatever it takes, they want Manny back in Macau," said Arum. "In addition to the Chinese business, they're making a big pitch for Philippine business."
Pacquiao, 35, fought his first bout in Las Vegas in more than a year last week when he dethroned Timothy Bradley to reclaim back the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown.
Before that, his last match in the 'Entertainment Capital of the World' ended in a shocking loss to Juan Manuel Marquez, who knocked him out cold in the sixth round. After almost a year of layoff, Arum opted to stage the Pacman's comeback fight in Macau.
Obviously, Pacquiao missed the glitter of Vegas.
"I like fighting in Las Vegas. This is where all my big fights started," said the Filipino ring superstar, who rose to prominence in Vegas when he stunned African Lehlo Ledwaba with a sixth round knockout to wrest the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-bantamweight belt.
"Of course, everything depends on my promoter on where he wants me to fight," he said.
The bout against Bradley marked the 16th time Pacquiao saw action in Vegas - and his 11th at the MGM Grand.
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