Manny Pacquiao is aching to fight again and seeing him back in the ring may not happen until the second quarter of 2021. The eight-time division champion revealed that he plans to fight two more bouts, possibly the final ones for his colorful boxing career.
Pacquiao said in an interview with the Daily Tribune that the earliest possible time for him to return was likely April 2021. Being a senator, the Pac-Man still has to carry out his obligations as a politician. If plans for an April fight pushes through, he intends to fight again in September.
“We still have sessions in March so there’s no way I am going to fight during that time,” Pacquiao said. “I think I can do two (fights) next year.”
Making my son a priority today. At the end of the day, family is everything. Always a proud dad here. Happy Birthday @PacquiaoMichael pic.twitter.com/NqUVNd1HBg — Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) December 12, 2020
But before getting excited, there are several things to consider. One is the COVID-19 situation, something that has forced the world to adjust. Several boxing events have been held but most will notice that most had no people in attendance. In the same report, one of Pacquiao’s aides, Choi Garcia, feels that seeing the Pac-Man fight may be altered because of this.
“I just don’t see him fighting without any crowd involvement,” Garcia said. “He draws energy from the crowd.”
Pacquiao’s next opponent remains unknown. Several names are being tossed in the mix such as Terence Crawford, Errol Spence and Mikey Garcia. Of those names, Spence and Garcia are the ones pundits feel will get the nod.
The September bout is a no-brainer. Unless talks bog down, Pacquiao is likely to face UFC fighter, Conor McGregor. The Notorious revealed that it will go down and that could be the Filipino boxing icon’s swan son. He will turn 42 on Dec. 17 and has other plans ahead.
Among those plans include possibly running for the Presidency of the Philippines. The next Presidential elections will happen in 2022, Boxingscene reported.
As for McGregor, he will be facing Dustin Poirier in January 2021 in a rematch at UFC 257. Most see it as a warmup match for the former UFC lightweight champion before shifting to boxing to face the future boxing Hall of Famer.
Also and aside from Pacquiao, there is also Jake Paul raving to face Conor McGregor. The YouTuber has been raving like mad on social media, including a recent claim that he offered the Irishman $50 million to a boxing match. McGregor has yet to respond to that rant.
