Despite his political move to run for senator in his country next year, the legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao is still preparing for a boxing match this coming 2016. Though it seems to be certain that Pacquiao would be back on the ring next year following his shoulder surgery, there is still no certainty who would be Pacquiao's next opponent.
After Pacquiao was defeated by Mayweather last May, rumors about a rematch seem to have no end. Some fans and experts alike suggested that a rematch would be good for both players and for the boxing industry. However, such idea of a "Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Rematch" was shut down by Pacquiao's long time promoter, Bob Arum. Arum via bleacherreport denied the talks about a rematch stating that;
"I have no idea what he's talking about. He said it, not me. But I have had no talks with anyone about that. None. Zero. Not one. Mayweather is retired and I take him at his word. But second, you know there is no way that Mayweather is ever going to fight in the Gulf, even if he did decide to fight again, so it's all [expletive]."
Before Arum concluded the talks of a rematch between Mayweather and Pacquiao, others also speculated about another possible Pacquiao vs. Marquez fight. Even Arum himself was positive about the idea; however, Marquez told ESPN via bleacherreport that, "I no longer am [interested] and that's a fact."
After Marquez lost his interest for another Pacquiao fight, another boxing contender entered the scene. It was reported previously that Bob Arum is in negotiation for a possible Khan-Pacquiao match. Arum is more likely positive about the on-going negotiation compared to the previous fighters who were included on the list of fighters that Pacquiao would be fighting. Arum then stated that;
"I'm not saying necessarily that the negotiations will be successful, although I believe that everybody is negotiating in good faith. While those negotiations are going on, I'm not going to discuss any other opponent for Manny Pacquiao. There is a possibility that it could happen in Dubai, but I think it's more likely it will happen in Las Vegas."
Aside from Arum in search of a perfect opponent for Pacquiao, another promoter is in talk for a possible Pacquiao-Matthysse match. Oscar De La Hoya and his Golden Boy Promotions, according to thaboxingvoice is in conversation with an unknown an associate of Pacquiao. De La Hoya detailed that;
"There is a guy who manages Manny Pacquiao, and I am already in conversations with this gentleman to make a fight between Pacquiao and Matthysse. It could be a complicated fight, but that's why Lucas is preparing so well. He has some great sparring partners to work with and he'll be ready."
The chances of Pacquiao fighting Lucas Matthysse, who has a record of 37-3 with 34 knockouts in his career, may not be that great. And there are still no updates and even answer from Arum or even from Pacquiao himself. There are still no signs that an ink would soon seal the canvass for a Pacquiao-Matthysse fight.
And to somehow add up to the list of possible fighters, a recent rumor surfaced about a Pacquiao vs. Alvarez fight. But Lance Pugmire, of the Los Angeles Times, posted via twitter that Bob Arum "doesn't like the idea" of Pacquiao taking on Canelo Alvarez.
Now with all the boxing names almost being involved in the comeback fight of Manny Pacquiao next year, still there is no certainty who would be his next opponent. But despite these uncertainties, one thing should be made certain for Pacquiao. Pacquiao should win his next fight or it would be his last. This idea came in directly from his friend and trainer, Freddie Roach. Via boxingscene, Roach made his statement clear, saying that;
"If he doesn't look good in his next fight, I think I would [tell him to retire]. I've always told Manny that if I thought he was slowing down and the reflexes weren't there, I would tell him."
The next fight would indeed be a turning point for Manny Pacquiao and his boxing career. And if you were to choose, who would you pick to be Pacquiao's next opponent? Feel free to share and comment below.
