Manny Pacquiao has lifted the lid on a potential clash with Vasiliy Lomachenko.
The 46-year-old ended a four-year layoff as he returned to a professional ring this past July, entering into an immediate world title shot against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
Before that, Pacquiao had been involved in just two exhibition matches, with his previous professional outing resulting in a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021.
But despite his lack of a meaningful bout in recent years, the former eight-division world champion nonetheless held Barrios to a majority decision draw in their rather lacklustre contest.
The Filipino icon now appears to have two viable options to consider, suggesting that a permanent retirement is becoming increasingly less likely.
Lomachenko has emerged as a possible opponent for ‘PacMan’, even though the Ukrainian has typically campaigned at a much lower weight class.
After a glittering career which saw him claim world championship glory in three divisions, Lomachenko, 37, relinquished his IBF lightweight title and announced his retirement last June.
But now, it seems that a swift U-turn for the two-time Olympic gold medallist is by no means out of the question, as Pacquiao has revealed to IBA Boxing that their teams are in talks for a potential showdown.
“Lomachenko possible. There is a negotiation. [But] it’s hard to say. Negotiations are ongoing.”
While Pacquiao could face Lomachenko in his next fight, he has also hinted that a possible rematch with his old foe Floyd Mayweather is also in the works.
