Manny Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum has revealed that the Filipino has given up hope on arranging a bout with Floyd Mayweather for later in the year and is now targeting either Miguel Cotto or Antonio Margarito.
Pacquiao had been scheduled to meet Mayweather in the spring but the fight collapsed because of the latter's demand that both fighters be subjected to an Olympic-style drug testing programme.
It was widely reported in May that the bout had been resurrected but Arum has now revealed that talks have stalled once more, with the veteran promoter suggesting that Mayweather is reluctant to commit because his uncle and trainer Roger is facing a charge of assault.
"I really believe this issue with the uncle has an affect," he said. "If I were in his shoes I wouldn't want to go into this big fight without my trainer."
Arum explained that the outstanding issue now is whether Pacquiao wants to take on Margarito or opt for a rematch with Cotto.
"I have to discuss with Manny to see who he prefers. The decision falls on Manny," stated Arum.