Trainer Freddie Roach played down hopes of a Manny Pacquiao showdown with Floyd Mayweather and said unbeaten two-belt world champion Danny Garcia could be next for “Pacman” after he fights Chris Algieri on Saturday in Macau.
The drop to junior welterweight would be a further blow to prospects of a mega-fight with Mayweather. Roach instead is targeting the impressive Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) who holds both the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association belts at junior welterweight.
Pacquiao defends his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown on Sunday morning against American Algieri at an agreed catchweight limit of 144-pounds.
“If Manny feels good in this fight at 144 then I think his next fight will be at 140 because he makes 140 very easily,” said Roach. “First fight back [at 140]? Danny Garcia. That’s my personal opinion.”
There is a dearth of truly world-class opponents in the 147-pound division, making the explosive Garcia – who has recorded fourth-round knockouts against both Britain’s former world champion Amir Khan and Mexican great Erik Morales – the most attractive alternative to the elusive Mayweather.
“Danny Garcia at 140, we’ll go there,” added Roach. “There are options out there. Mayweather’s not everything. I think Manny’s a better fighter at 140. He’s faster and more explosive – I think the knockouts will come back.”
