By Miguel Rivera
Hall of Fame trainer Nacho Beristain has a lot of respect for eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao, which is why the veteran coach would like to see the Filipino star to rethink his future before going forward with a contest against Vasiliy Lomachenko or Terence Crawford.
Last weekend in Malaysia, Pacquiao returned for the first time since his twelve round decision loss to Jeff Horn in July 2017, and he overwhelmed Lucas Matthyse for a seventh round stoppage to capture the WBA's "regular" welterweight title.
Now Pacquiao, at 39 years old, is planning to fight again in the fall - and he's mentioned Crawford and Lomachenko as potential opponents.
Nacho was the head trainer for two of Pacquiao's career foes, Juan Manuel Marquez and Oscar De La Hoya.
He would like to see Pacquiao retire in peace - and not from being used as a stepping stone by a younger fighter.
"I am sure that Manny Pacquiao will be able to do much more for his people, but in boxing he did what he did, and now he should have every right in the world to choose his opponents to have a decent exit," Nacho told ESPN Deportes.
"I would not like to seem him in those fights that they are discussing, with Lomachenko or Crawford. I've always hated that a promoter wants to take advantage of the remains of a fighter who must go to the museum of glory, and instead he uses them as a stepping stone for another.
"A fighter like Pacquiao who wins as many titles like he did - they want to take advantage of that by getting him beat by Crawford, who for me is number one. Maybe with Lomachenko he would some opportunity [to win], but I do not like that fight [for Pacquiao either]. The best thing [for Bob Arum to do] would be to leave Pacquiao alone, let him finish his career and put Crawford in there with Lomachenko - which would be a great fight."