By Luis Sandoval
While Manny Pacquiao searches for an opponent for his next fight later this year, there are many names that have been mentioned as possibilities. From a fifth fight with his arch nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez to a showdown with former stable mate Amir Khan, there seem to be some options for the Filipino superstar.
One other name that has continuously been brought up is WBO Junior Welterweight Ruslan Provodnikov who ironically is trained by Pacquiao’s own trainer Freddie Roach. Both Provodnikov and Pacquiao have worked together in the past and while a fight between them would create some complications due to the trainer situation, it’s a fight fans would want to see and a fight Ruslan himself has shown great interest in.
When BoxingScene spoke to Freddie Roach regarding Provodnikov’s name being mentioned as a possible fight for Pacquiao, he was asked what his thoughts were and if a plan was in place should that fight become a reality.
“Well his promoter came to me and asked me will you please let that fight happen if they ask you to do it. I said well if that’s what you want, we’ll do it but you know it’s going to split me and Ruslan up. He’s going to have to get a new trainer and so forth. I’d like to see him make the pay day though so if they decide to do that…it’s not dead. It could happen, yes,” Roach would tell BoxingScene.
Roach would prefer Pacquiao fight the likes of Marquez or even Danny Garcia who is currently under the Golden Boy Promotions banner but he understands boxing is a business. He would rather not have to lose Provodnikov but if a fight with him and Pacquiao ends up taking place, there would be no choice but for him to part ways.
You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter & Instagram @Truewest007.
