No matter what people say about Manny Pacquiao already beyond his prime, Shawn Porter believes that this champion is still the one all other boxers want to beat.
If Porter beats Errol Spence, Jr., he is said to have the same target as Spence for his next match. He also wants Pacquiao. He said so himself during the most recent episode of "The PBC Podcast. According to him, "That's who everyone's targeting."
"He's the biggest name out there, the biggest draw out there," Porter said. "He's the legend. He's the one that's old, but still unbeatable. So, that's the one we all want."
At his advanced age, at least in terms of boxing, the 40-year-old Pacquiao was still able to prove he is an elite welterweight by knocking down Keith Thurman as early as the first round and then leading the previously unbeaten former WBA welterweight champion trough a split decision at their very widely-watched match at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Doubts whether Pacquiao still has it have been circulating for quite some time now, given his age and his responsibilities as a government official in the Philippines, but the champion certainly proved himself. His co-boxers however apparently have not been affected by the doubts of critics, because they still think fighting Pacquiao is exciting and worthy.
Porter wants to get his hands on Pacquiao that he does not even have the second boxer in mind. He also has not thought of who he will fight next if he loses to Spence. "Right now, I don't have a No. 2 guy," Porter said. "I think we would be looking at rematches at this point - Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, maybe even Yordenis Ugas. He is the mandatory for the WBC championship belt again. So, we're definitely more than likely looking at rematches."
Pacquiao, being a full-time senator in the Philippines, cannot promise any matches again, not until January or February of 2020. He already ruled out a third fight this year, which disappoints Amir Khan, who wants to have a match against him, as reported by Mirror UK.
Some reports are circulating that Pacquiao wants to fight Mikey Garcia next year. His coach, Freddie Roach reportedly said he could see the fight happening. "Mikey Garcia is he out there? I love that fight, I like that fight for Manny," he said. "I think Manny destroys (Garcia)," Roach added.
