Former unified middleweight and light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins believes Manny Pacquiao, 40-years-old, could continue fighting for another 10 years - or more.
Back in in July, Pacquiao turned back the clock when he won a twelve round unanimous decision over undefeated Keith Thurman to capture the WBA welterweight title.
Hopkins continued to fight until the age of 51-years-old - when he was knocked out by light heavyweight contender Joe Smith. He holds the record as being the oldest fighter to win a world title at 49-years-old. He also won world titles at 46 and 48.
Pacquiao won't fight again until some time next year.
Hopkins has no problem with Pacquiao fighting in his 40s and he believes the eight division world champion will fight until his 50s.
“Pacquiao probably will break my record and fight way into his 50’s,” Hopkins said to ES News.
“Because he lives right, he’s got good bounce in his legs, he got a good spirit. He looks energetic, he looks like he can handle anybody out there that’s younger than him.
Pacquiao could be in line to face the winner of next week's unification, as Errol Spence and Shawn Porter will collide for the WBC, IBF welterweight world titles.
But Hopkins does not see a lot of younger fighters picking to fight Pacquiao to build their resume.
“Ain’t too many people grabbin’ Pacquiao and use him as a big name to extend or put credibility on (their) record, Manny now is probably ducked by a lot of young fighters,” Hopkins said.
There is still lingering talk of a potential rematch between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. Hopkins expects the same outcome as the record breaking 2015 encounter, which saw Mayweather win a twelve round unanimous decision.
“I don’t think anything is gonna happen different than the first fight,” Hopkins said.