TOP RANK promoter Bob Arum has suggested that not only will Manny Pacquiao retire after one final fight on April 9 2016, he’s even put together a three man shortlist for “Pacman” to consider. To help Pacquiao’s deliberations, we consider his best, acceptable and worst options. Click below to read on.
3. Tim Bradley
Pros: Bradley holds a win over Pacquiao, which Manny equalized with a revenge victory of his own. A third match could be seen as a deciding contest. The American would put himself back into the public eye if he delivers an exciting performance against Brandon Rios on November 7.
Cons: The verdict Bradley took over Pacquiao in their first fight looked unfair to most and Pacquiao has already done all he needs to do to set the record straight. Bradley is a very good fighter, who’s been in exciting fights, but the likes of Ruslan Provodnikov and Jesse Vargas are a level below Manny.
Verdict: Bradley has done little wrong, but nor has he done much to get the world clamouring for a third fight with Pacquiao. Bottom of the list.
2. Terence Crawford
Pros: Crawford is an electric talent, he’s fast and can fight out of either stance. He also draws an impassioned home support in Omaha. He boxes in the division below Pacquiao but even there the feeling is that Manny is better suited to a lighter weight. Terence is one of the sport’s rising stars and the match up would give him a chance to take over from Pacquiao.
Cons: Crawford is not one of life’s raconteurs, nor is Pacquiao much of a talker. The build up to this might be, dare I say it, dull. Crawford hasn’t beaten a big name, yet, and so isn’t that well known himself. From Pacquiao’s perspective this could be the most risk for the least reward.
Verdict: An excellent match in terms of the boxers’ quality, the only drawback is the American might not be famous enough, yet, to make this a major fight.
1. Amir Khan
Pros: Khan and Pacquiao share a past, with Amir playing second fiddle to him when they were both gym-mates at the Wild Card. Khan is fast enough and busy enough to make this an exciting fight. Khan is not universally liked but he’s known across the world and Pacquiao-Khan would be a global event.
Cons: Has Amir Khan done enough to earn the fight? He’s spent the last two years waiting for Floyd Mayweather and in 2015 ended up fighting only once, against Chris Algieri, and Khan didn’t do a better job against him than Manny’s 2014 performance.
Verdict: Rumours swirl about their past sparring battles so, while Khan should have the tools to trouble Manny, this bout could well have an explosive finish. Pacquiao-Khan is a fight not to be missed.
Who would you like to see Manny Pacquiao fight next? Click on the Comments tab above to let us know what you think.
