Away from the bright lights of Las Vegas, fallen great Manny Pacquiao will attempt to rebuild his boxing career halfway round the world next month.

The MGM Grand in Sin City holds some happy memories for the Filipino welterweight, but it is also the scene of two of his biggest setbacks in the ring.

A controversial points loss against Tim Bradley in June 2012 was followed by a devastating knockout against Juan Manuel Marquez in the fourth fight of their epic rivalry six months later.

Marquez sent Pacquiao crashing to the canvas face first, where the first and only eight-division world champion lay unconscious for a few worrying moments.

Many thought it was the time for Pacquiao to end a glittering career and complete his transition into politics.

The 34-year-old begged to differ and is planning on resurrecting his career on November 23 in Macau, China, against the tough but limited Brandon Rios.

Another defeat could be the final nail in the coffin for Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs), who is optimistic.

“I am very excited to get back into the ring and fight and to do it for the fans. I feel very fresh, strong and fast,” he said.

“I have been training very hard for this fight and right now I feel like I am 25 years old and training that way. I feel very good.

“My stamina and my quickness and power are there and I am very excited about that.”

Rios’s power will give Pacquiao’s followers cause for concern but the US fighter’s flaws were there to see after splitting a pair of decisions with Mike Alvarado.

Rios (31-1-1, 22 KOs), who built his reputation at lightweight, has never fought in the 147lb division and his come-forward style makes him tailor-made for Pacquiao.

“I don’t like to chase and I’m pretty sure I won’t have to chase him,” said Pacquiao.

He is favourite to come out on top, and an impressive outing would open up a host of possibilities, including a lucrative fifth showdown with Marquez.

Ever the professional, Pacquiao insists he is not looking past Rios.

“I am not thinking about the next fight. What I have right now is focus on my training and preparation for Rios so I can be sure that victory is mine,” he added.