The dominant boxing conversation these days is that any of these three warriors - Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr, and Conor McGregor - will be in a mega-fight anytime this 2020. However, it seemed more possible that Pacquiao could be out of the equation soon and for a number of valid reasons.
For one, it appeared more realistic that Mayweather will be fighting McGregor next, and that was shown shortly after the Irishman's triumphant UFC comeback. The Money posted a poster of him tussling anew with the MMA superstar. And the American emphasized that the rematch will take place this year.
There was nothing concrete on the actions by Mayweather, but it was a huge difference as opposed to his reaction with the call from Pacquiao to do a MayPac2. Mostly, the undefeated fighter was dodging, and it indicated hesitation on his part to face Pacquiao on the ring again.
If true that Mayweather will deal with McGregor first, it means the Pacman has to wait. Time, however, is not on the Filipino boxing icon's side, according to Forbes. Already, the 41-year-old eight-division champion is on a prolonged vacation, and the extended idleness is not doing him any good, the report added.
The earliest that Pacquiao could return to the ring is April 2020, and he could face next Danny Garcia since both Mayweather and McGregor will be busy. Fresh from a victory against Ivan Redkach last week, The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported Garcia would be happy to slug it out with the WBA super-welterweight champion.
That should be exciting as Garcia is a worthy opponent as far as Team Pacquiao concerned. However, if it's true that the next window for Pacquiao to fight in April this year, it's highly doubtful that Garcia will be ready to box big time with less than three months of preparation.
So rather than wait for Garcia, Pacquiao must pick a fight soon as waiting too long this year could render him rusty and offset the gains he had by conquering solid opponents in his last two fights. The sensible thing to do for the boxing legend is to fight as soon as possible.
On this, the best choice available is Keith Thurman, who already made clear he wants a second shot at Pacquiao. Thurman suffered his first loss at the hands of the Pacman, so he has a score to settle, thus making the rematch even more interesting.
The viable options available for Pacquiao all point to a Pacquiao vs. Thurman No. 2. He can make it happen, or as Forbes claimed, Pacquiao can simply walk away. After all, his legacy is already set in stone, and most importantly, he is set for life in the Philippines.
