Manny Pacquiao on verge of picking opponent for final fight of career

Pacquiao, 36, spoke to AFP and said that he will confirm his opponent in November or December, with a view to fighting ahead of the elections in the Philippines next May.

While he will stand for the Filipino senate next year, Pacquiao admitted that he has higher goals and would like to be his country's president, "if it is God's will".

"I will fight anybody, anywhere," he said.

"I am going to fight probably before the election.

"The election is coming next year, May, and before that I will probably have one fight.

"We are going to finalise by November or December."

Amir Khan's manager (and uncle) Taz Khan remains convinced that his charge could be Pacquiao's next and last fight.

Talks are ongoing between the sides, though "at the moment that's all there is", Taz Khan said, adding that Amir Khan "is always up for any fight if it's on the table, he'll take it."

Intriguing though a meeting with former training partner Khan might be, a rematch with Mayweather, who beat Pacquiao on points in May, could yet happen - and would be the more obvious (and money-spinning) conclusion to the Filipino’s career.

The unbeaten Mayweather has already announced his retirement, but many informed observers believe he will fight once more in a bid to surpass Rocky Marciano’s record of retiring with a record of 49-0.

“I think I’m ready [to retire],” Pacquiao said earlier in the week. “I’ve been in boxing for more than 20 years.

“I prayed to God for guidance and I am happy about it.”