WBA welterweight champion and Philippine senator Manny Pacquaio still doesn't know who he will be fighting in the near future. His coach, however, names a few possible opponents he might face if ever he decides to box again. Read on for more details.
In an interview with the Philippine Star, Pacquiao's strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune said it's highly likely that there won't be a rematch between the Filipino boxer and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Fortune said Mayweather might not be interested in a rematch with Pacquiao. He said Mayweather likes to keep his undefeated record as it is, and likely would not want to risk being defeated in a future fight. Fortune said that with Pacquiao doing well versus Adrien Broner last January, it's more likely for Mayweather to not want a rematch.
If Mayweather declines a rematch with the Filipino boxer this year, there's a big chance there won't be any rematch at all, Fortune said. Both will be older next year. Additionally, fans might stop waiting for a rematch if it takes too long.
Now, who will Pacquiao be fighting against this year? Fortune said it's not for him to decide as he is focused only on conditioning the boxer for a fight. He said it's ultimately up to Pacquiao and Premier Boxing Champions CEO Al Haymon to decide on a possible opponent.
Of course, they can't simply pick and choose whoever they want. Fortune said their choice of an opponent will also largely depend on the chosen foe's availability. Even if Pacquiao is excited to go toe to toe with this or that boxer, that boxer has to be available for it.
While the fight is still away, Pacquiao spends his time working as a senator and a campaign manager for the upcoming Philippine elections, Fortune said. They keep in touch with each other through occasional text messages, but the boxer-turned senator is busy with things other than boxing.
When Pacquiao and Haymon get to decide on an opponent, however, that's when he will start training. Fortune says Pacquiao is always in great shape and will need about eight weeks of training -- four weeks in Manila and four in Los Angeles -- to get ready for his fight.
Now, who will Pacquiao be fighting? Fortune mentions a few names: Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman, and Shawn Porter. If it was up to him, Pacquiao will be going against any of the three.
A Pacquiao-Thurman bout might make great pay-per-view revenues, Forbes noted. Perhaps, this factor might affect their choice of an opponent for the Filipino boxer.
