Manny Pacquiao isn’t talking like a fighter satisfied with retirement.
The 43-year-old eight-division champion from the Philippines hung up his gloves last year following a loss to Yordenis Ugas, a move that allowed him to then make a bid for his country’s presidency; Pacquiao ended up conceding defeat.
But it did not take long before the sporting icon made his way back to the ring, albeit the unsanctioned kind. Pacquiao will partake in an exhibition bout against South Korean martial artist DK Yoo this Saturday in Seoul. Yoo has never fought in a professional boxing match.
And it may not be long before Pacquiao gloves up for a real prizefight, judging from the way he has been speaking.
In a recent interview, Pacquiao indicated his desire to trade punches with none other than the consensus two top welterweights in the world, WBA, WBC, IBF champion Errol Spence Jr. and WBO titlist Terence Crawford.
“Of course, I can fight Crawford,” Pacquiao told FightHype.com. “I can fight Terence Crawford or Spence.”
“I’m eager to fight with them because, to test them [to see] if they’re really a champion,” Pacquiao continued. “I’ve been fighting a lot of boxers at 147, 140, 135, I’ve been fighting with one of the greatest boxers in the world, so I want to test them in a fight.”
Pacquiao has history with both fighters. He was originally supposed to fight Spence last summer but Spence had to pull out of the fight a week out because of an eye injury, which paved the way for Ugas to replace him.
Pacquiao was also thought to be a realistic option for Crawford, when both fighters were under the promotional aegis of Top Rank.
Crawford and Spence appeared headed toward an undisputed championship in November but negotiations fell apart. Crawford will now face David Avanesyan this Saturday in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, while Spence appears en route to a showdown with Keith Thurman next year.
As for any concern that he may not be in fighting shape, the Filipino made it clear he has diligently taken care of himself.
“I’m still here,” Pacquiao said. “Even though I’m retired for more than a year, I keep on working, playing basketball, work out, almost everyday.”
