MANILA -- Boxer-turned-senator Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao will be returning to the ring for a rematch against Australian boxer Jeff Horn, this time in the Philippines, Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said on Tuesday.
Teo told reporters the anticipated rematch between Horn and Pacquaio will be taking place at the Philippine Arena in December, contrary to an earlier report of a November rematch in Brisbane, Australia.
The department is eyeing December 9 as the fight date, a week before the birthday of the eight-division world champion.
Teo said DOT already has an agreement with the MP Productions for the upcoming fight.
The announcement came despite Monday's confirmation of Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk that the boxing match will be happening in the city anew in November.
"I have had a meeting earlier today which has confirmed that Manny Pacquiao will definitely be in Brisbane this year for a rematch with Jeff Horn," Quirk had said.
Quirk said Brisbane Marketing, the city council's major events subsidiary, would be re-engaged for negotiations with promoters Top Rank and Duco Events.
Horn shocked the world with a controversial victory over the then heavily-favored Pacquiao last July 2.
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