Who will Pacquiao Fight Next?
While many sportsbooks won’t have as many Pacquiao odds as they would for fighters that frequently retire like Conor McGregor or Floyd Mayweather, who pop back up for a big comeback show, there are still some sportsbooks offering odds on Pacquiao’s next opponent.
Since the July 2019 fight against Thurman, boxers have been calling Pacquiao out, hoping to challenge him to a fight to try and take down the boxing icon. The front runner for months was Mikey Garcia and rumored to take place in Saudi Arabia in July of 2020, but with the COVID-19 outbreak around the globe, there’s a slim chance of that fight taking place anytime soon.
Many beat writers are speculating that Pacquiao is waiting for another super-fight, against someone like Conor McGregor or a rematch with Floyd Mayweather. However, we will go through some of the top prospects for Pacquiao’s next opponent, and of course the odds!
Manny Pacquiao vs. Errol Spence Jr.
After causing a scary car crash in October 2019 and charged with a DUI, Errol Spence Jr. is coming back to boxing and Pacquiao is high on his comeback fight shortlist. The fellow southpaw is looking to get his name back out there and plans to challenge an elite like Manny to heighten his brand awareness.
The big question marks would be Spence’s health – and any injuries withstood in his accident where he was ejected from the car.
This fight would likely be an easy win for Pacquiao and seems like a good, safer option for him at this time. Could Spence be the second decade-his-junior boxer Manny takes down in a year’s span?
Manny Pacquiao vs. Mikey Garcia
As we mentioned, the closest we’ve come in boxing gossip for a Pacquiao fight in 2020 has been rumors of a Saudi-funded match in July 2020 versus Mikey Garcia. While Garcia has been spouting to the press about his ability to take down Pacquiao, the probability of this fight happening lessens by the day.
Pacquiao is reportedly dodging the prospect of fighting Garcia, which likely means he has his eye on other options. Garcia’s desperation to take him on likely didn’t help his case at all.
Pacquiao has the least to gain by fighting Garcia, so it’s just not a great career move for him at this time, but if someone like Errol Spence Jr. weren’t available, this could be a good backup.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather 2
Who could turn down an opportunity to pit these two epic boxers against each other for a second time? The fight of the century, Pacquiao vs. Mayweather’s 2015 fight is still known as the highest-rated boxing event of all time.
Mayweather announced he might come out of retirement in 2020, and naturally, the boxing community began demanding a rematch. ‘MayPac 2’ was beginning to look like it could be a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak 2020 year.
In March, Mayweather had two deaths in his family and with the coronavirus outbreak, announced he would not be fighting this year. This could mean that Pacquiao might have to move on and choose another opponent, as he’s been out of the ring long enough – nearly nine months at this point.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Conor McGregor
Before his victory over Donald Cerrone at UFC 246, Conor McGregor hinted he’d be interested in another ‘jab’ at boxing – but only against Mayweather or Pacquiao. While this fight would be an absolute cakewalk for the decorated boxer, it would be another one of those big glamor fights that will no doubt hype up his brand.
Another convenience of this fight is that McGregor and Pacquiao both have partnerships with Paradigm Sports Management, meaning they would have much to gain from these two clients fighting.
While it’s unknown where any boxer stands at the current time with coronavirus spreading through the world like wildfire, all we can do is speculate, as no decisions will be made until this is all over.
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