The boxing world holds an uncertain future, with most wondering when their favorite fighters can return to the ring. And even if they do, it is practically a given that they will all see action before crowd-less stadiums. Manny Pacquiao continues to be a favorite among pugs to watch and there are now revelations on who his next opponent will be. Surprisingly, it is a name that was not among the initial list of fighters that Team Pacquiao has mentioned.
The revelation comes no less from Top Rank promoter Bob Arum. The 86-year-old promoter bared how there are already talks on a potential blockbuster fight involving Pacquiao and Terence Crawford. It wasn't a long time ago that Arum was not too confident of the chances of the Filipino boxing icon. However, he is now convinced that Pacquiao can handle "Bud" after dismantling boxers like Lucas Matthysse, Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman, Boxingscene.com reported. He said that negotiations had already started even before the COVID-19 outbreak.
“These are tentative talks,” Arum said. “To make it happen, we’d have to do it outside of the United States, and outside of the Philippines, of course. And we’d have to make it work with a big site fee.”
Arum did not mince words when he was asked about the chances of Pacquiao against Crawford now. He feels that odds were stacked against the eight-time division champion before but is not singing a different tune.
“If I had to bet the fight, I’d bet Crawford,” Arum said. “But now I think Pacquiao is in there with a good chance. There’s no question that it’ll be an entertaining fight. Manny seems dedicated again. I’ve had that situation before, where guys get to be a little older, but somehow their skills aren’t diminished," he added.
While that would be something, it remains to be seen how it will go down. The venue looms as a big problem, especially considering Arum is wishing for it to be free. The clash is likely to be done without fans in the stands. Even if there were some present, safe-distance seating is likely to be enforced.
Among the names that Pacquiao was reportedly considering include Floyd Mayweather Jr., Danny Garcia, and Mikey Garcia. As of this writing, none have prospered. On Crawford's end, Kell Brook was being suggested but also with no progress. A Pacquiao clash with Crawford would be big. But for now, it will remain a possibility until the coast is clear for all athletes and fans to go outdoors once more.
