Probably the greatest active boxer in terms of resume in boxing right now, Manny Pacquiao has not stepped in the ring for the year 2020 due to the pandemic and being the senator of a country. He has been busy with his service to his countrymen but has indicated that he plans to fight twice by the year 2021.
Manny Pacquiao owns the highest PPV fight ever recorded when he fought Floyd Mayweather. It was the biggest fight that has been made, sadly most fans were not satisfied with the lack of the expected actions in the match. The fight did not deliver to the fan’s expectations.
Although after the Mayweather fight, Manny Pacquiao suffered another decision loss against Jeff Horn where many thought he won. He lost the WBO belt in that fight but bounced back to win another belt. He was set to face Lucas Matthysse where he dominated and stopped in under seven rounds.
After the Matthysse fight, he was set to face Adrien Broner. Floyd Mayweather was the one that suggested that Pacquiao should fight Broner. The fight eventually happened, where Pacquiao cruised to a decision win easily. After the fight, Pacquiao indicated that he wanted a rematch with Floyd Mayweather if the opponent wants to return to the ring once more.
His latest fight was for the WBA Super Welterweight Belt, where he was set to face the undefeated Keith Thurman. Thurman was a tough opponent who has wins with fighters like Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia. So it was not an easy opponent, but Pacquiao defied father time once more and beat a prime Keith Thurman given he is already 42 years old.
The question is who will Manny Pacquiao fight for his return after more than a year of inactivity. Some reports say that the team is looking to set up a fight with UFC Star, Conor Mcgregor but no announcement as of yet as he is scheduled to face Dustin Poirier this January. After the fight, it will more clear what the UFC fighter plans for his next move.
Manny Pacquiao would probably prioritize taking the Mcgregor fight as it guarantees the biggest money fight possible other than a Mayweather rematch. The fight could probably attract a lot of fans from UFC and Boxing kinda like the success of the Mayweather vs Mcgregor fight.
Pacquiao should also favor this since it is an easier match for him on paper since Mcgregor is a professional MMA fighter first and boxer second, although Mcgregor has proven that he could stand his ground among the best as well.
Two active fighters that are current champions are Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. Both are looking to be a level above top contenders but refuse to fight each other. Due to their failed negotiations, they think that taking the Manny Pacquiao fight would also give them a big payday as well.
Manny Pacquiao would be an underdog coming to the fight and it would be a huge risk in taking the fight as well. The Filipino boxer has nothing left to prove and is out of his prime years. It would be wise for him to take a much more winnable fight that can generate the same money.
Although Pacquiao still has a chance to prove to the doubters once more and beating the best of the best in the division. If he ever beats Crawford or Spence, his already fantastic legacy would elevate him even more. Beating the top dog at his age and given his career, it would be hard not to but him in the top 3 All-time greats in Boxing.
