Expect the return of Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao early next year.

This was the announcement of his promoter and Top Rank CEO Bob Arum on Monday when he told ESPN that the fighter will return after his expected recovery period for his torn right rotator cuff surgery.

He added that the fight may take place in Las Vegas though the venue is still yet to be determined.

"Manny will be fighting next year. I think everything will be good for him to fight by February. He can probably start training by the end of this year. We'll let the doctor tell us when. I thought maybe Manny would fight one or two more times, and when I said that, Manny corrected me. He said he wants to keep fighting," Arum told ESPN.

It can be remembered that Pacquiao fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. last May with a broken shoulder but it was not until fight night that he revealed it. This was even criticized by "The Money's" camp for using the injury as an excuse for his unanimous loss.

ESPN added that after the bout, he underwent a surgery and is believed to fully recover in a span of six months to one year.

Arum noted that his recovery has been smooth.

"Manny said his shoulder is fine, but that is not good enough for me. He's supposed to have an MRI in Manila, I think later this week... but Manny said he feels good," added the Top Rank promoter.

The boxer's adviser, Michael Koncz, also mentioned in the ESPN report that while he is nursing his shoulder, Pacquiao is continuously doing his duties as a legislator in the Philippines.

"His shoulder is healing well, but he won't fight again this year. The doctor says nothing this year," added Koncz.

Earlier this month, Pacquiao said that he still plans to fight a few more times prior to retiring tentatively next year.

An AFP report published by Yahoo Sports noted that this was Pacman's reply to Arum's statement that he only has one remaining fight before he retires.

"I know better what is happening to my body. Just leave it alone. Better not to react to that," Pacquiao added.

As for his next opponent, Arum told ESPN that they have already listed five potential boxers for him to go against but noted that the final decision will come from Pacquiao.

He added that this list includes British boxer Amir Khan, welterweight titleholder Kell Brook, junior welterweight titlist Terence Crawford, junior welterweight contender Lucas Matthysse and Pacquiao's nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez, whom he has fought for four times already.

"If Manny fights Khan, Khan will probably bring 3,000 or 4,000 people over from the U.K. for the fight," Arum added.