The press on Manny Pacquiao so far indicates he is inclined to fight and gain more honor, but reality dictates the Pacman at 41 is no longer about legacy, which for him is already set in stone. The next time Pacquiao climbs the ring, it will be mostly entertainment and him getting a huge paycheck, meaning it's either Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Conor McGregor.
There were mentions of Errol Spence Jr. and Danny Garcia, and any of these names being conquered by Pacquiao will further cement his already legendary reputation in the boxing world. It seemed far-fetched that the Filipino boxing icon is still concerned about making a good name. That is a job long done.
That being said, it will be unsurprising that when he fights next, Pacquiao will "seek big-money fights over titles," according to Forbes.
It is the logical thing to do as he is not a young man anymore. For Pacquiao, it will be one or two more fights then off he goes. Naturally, he will maximize his options by picking up foes that will generate the most fun and make him more secure financially.
That is why the bouts lined up by Team Pacquiao, given his limited time, will be big, and that only means he is only willing to duke it out with superstar fighters.
"The Filipino legend is looking to match up with big-name opponents who will deliver massive paydays," the report said.
The Pacman is scheduled for an April 2020 showdown with a fighter that remains unknown. It is a safe bet that it will be a Pacquiao vs. McGregor. The latter has already stated he wants to box with Pacquiao, and his recent UFC win will ensure that the plan will see the light of the day, possibly in the next few months.
Then win or lose, Pacquiao will face Mayweather. This fight is nearly mandatory for both fighters. In effect, who will emerge the victor in the aftermath of a Pacquiao vs. Mayweather is the one more deserving to be called "Fighter of the Decade," according to The Daily Mail.
The publication said that in the strictest term, the honor is but a toss between Pacquiao and Mayweather, so it only makes sense for them to settle on top of the ring. Again, it will be a glittery show of two highly celebrated boxing gladiators.
To be sure, both fighters will be making mountains of cash, but the most important thing is they'd be staging a battle scene, in an installment of 12 rounds, that is bound to remain in sports conversations for years and decades to come.
