Manny Pacquiao ‘Leaning Towards’ Garcia Fight, In Talks With Crawford

Manny Pacquiao is edging closer to securing an opponent for his next fight.

The Filipino boxing legend has seen potential bouts with UFC superstar Conor McGregor and the WBC interim lightweight champion Ryan Garcia fall through in 2021.

Pacquiao has not competed inside the squared circle since edging our Keith Thurman to claim the WBA welterweight title in July 2019.

The 42-year-old has now named the two fighters who are currently in the running to face him next.

“We’re leaning towards Mikey Garcia, but we’re also talking to Crawford,” Pacquiao told Dyan Castillejo of ABS-CBN. “It depends on who I get to face, what’s important is I’m ready. 

Garcia is former four weight world champion. He holds high profile wins over the likes of Adrien Broner, Robert Easter Jr and Jesse Vargas. The 33-year-old has lost just once in his 41 fight career – that loss came when he stepped up to welterweight to challenge Errol Spence.

Crawford is the current WBO welterweight titleholder and former undisputed champion at light welterweight. ‘Bud’ holds several big wins over the likes of Kell Brook, Amir Khan, Jeff Horn, Julius Indongo and Viktor Postol.

“We never really got complacent, we’ve always continuously worked out,” Pacquiao added. “We keep on playing basketball aside from boxing. Actually, right after my fight the last time with [Keith] Thurman, I didn’t work out boxing, but I kept playing basketball.”

Pacquiao has been concentrating his efforts on his position as a senator in the Philippines and helping his people during the ongoing global pandemic.

“We will keep on giving, we will continue to help as much as we can, even if it’s just in small ways,” Pacquiao said. “I would love to be able to help everyone out, but our resources are limited, so we’ll do the best that we can, no problem. The only thing that I can assure the people of, is that as long as I can help, I will help, to the best of my abilities.” (Transcribed by Boxing Scene)

Who do you want to see Manny Pacquiao fight next?