Manny Pacquiao’s coach has hinted that the boxing legend could be back in the ring in just eight weeks. The former world champion is said to be eyeing a fight against Terence Crawford. Fans had been hoping for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, but it seems Pacquiao has his sights set elsewhere.
Despite retiring from the sport last year at the age of 45, Pacquiao isn’t ready to hang up his gloves just yet. After an illustrious career which saw him win 12 world titles across eight weight classes, the Filipino boxer suffered a points defeat to Yordenis Ugas in his last fight, pushing him into retirement.
But Pacquiao’s ex-strength and conditioning coach, Justin Fortune, has teased that the boxing legend could make a return to the ring sooner than fans think. According to Fortune, the southpaw superstar is keen on facing welterweight world champion Crawford.
Speaking about Pacquiao’s potential comeback, Fortune explained: “He was a gym rat. I could pull him back into shape for Crawford in eight weeks. Of course, we’ll need to know when to push him or pull back because of his age.”
“Manny has a 50 percent chance of winning because he’s still a freak athlete, and it wouldn’t take much to pull him into shape,” he continued as he talked up the attributes of the star despite his official retirement three years ago. “The power he has is a gift from God, he hasn’t lost his power. Manny has never ducked anyone.”
“He’s always fought the best, and not saying [Floyd] Mayweather’s not the best, but he’s old,” he said as he tipped the veteran to still be capable of mixing it with the top stars of today. “I’d prefer Manny to come back and prove himself against a current world champion like [Terence] Crawford.”
Only on February 8, the all-encompasing eight-division world champion took to his Instagram page to show he was back in training as he was shown in the gym hitting the punchbag. Remarking on his evergreen abilities, Fortune opined that a fight between a star nearly a decade his junior could be feasible, adding: “That’s a massive payday, and guess what, it’s a 50-50 fight.”
In reality, the man who became the first fighter to become a world champion in the four ‘glamor divisions’, is taking baby steps towards a comeback on that scale. For the time being, Pacquiao is busy preparing for a bout against Muay Thai star Buakaw Banchamek up next in April.
“PacMan” might have to fight for a chance to box against Crawford, the champ with three welterweight titles. Teofimo Lopez wants to fight Crawford too and told Sky Sports he’s ready for it.
Lopez said in an interview: “I’m the biggest cat in the world, absolutely, and because of that, we face fighters, great champions, and I look forward to facing a fighter like him. Because that’s what ‘The Takeover’ is. What would I be if I didn’t do these things? Who would I be if I didn’t face the best? That is the only way I become greater.”
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