LOS ANGELES – Errol Spence Jr. would welcome a fight against Manny Pacquiao next if everything goes as planned with Shawn Porter.

Pacquiao enhanced his credibility as a potential opponent for Spence by beating Keith Thurman two months ago and winning the WBA welterweight title. The Filipino icon clearly would help Spence earn what would be a career-high payday as well.

Nevertheless, Pacquiao is 11 years older and four inches shorter than Spence, who’s widely considered one of the top five boxers, pound-for-pound, in the sport. Spence’s obvious advantages have made those closest to Pacquiao – most notably longtime trainer Freddie Roach – reluctant to match the aged legend against a prime Spence, who would be heavily favored over Pacquiao if they were scheduled to meet in what would be a second straight welterweight title unification fight for Spence.

The 29-year-old Spence (25-0, 21 KOs) must first defeat Porter (30-2-1, 17 KOs) in their 12-round, 147-pound championship unification match Saturday night at Staples Center. Spence expects Porter to test him in their FOX Sports Pay-Per-View main event, yet also anticipates momentum for a Pacquaio fight to intensify if he leaves the ring with his IBF belt and Porter’s WBC crown.

When asked following a press conference Wednesday if he thinks Pacquiao would face him next, Spence replied, “I think so. A lot of people say he wouldn’t, but if you know the history of Pacquiao, Pacquiao’s fearless. He’s a guy who’ll fight anybody, anywhere, any time. So, if the money’s right, he’ll definitely fight me.

“There’s probably people on the business side, that works for him, probably say, ‘Nah.’ But I think if the fight’s right, Pacquiao will definitely take the fight.”

Thurman (29-1, 22 KOs, 1 NC) was a potential opponent in 2020 for Spence before Pacquiao beat him by split decision July 20 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Pacquiao dropped Thurman in the first round and won their competitive, compelling 12-round bout on two of the three scorecards (115-112, 115-112, 113-114).

Spence, of DeSoto, Texas, also mentioned former WBC champion Danny Garcia (35-2, 21 KOs) and Yordenis Ugas (24-4, 11 KOs) as possible opponents for his next fight. He hopes the welterweight showdown virtually everyone wants to see – a fight against WBO champ Terence Crawford (35-0, 26 KOs) – can happen later in 2020.

First, however, he wants Pacquiao.

“I hope so,” Spence said when asked if he’s confident Pacquiao would be next for him. “But if it’s not, then, you know, I’ll choose somebody else who’s, you know, worthy of competition, somebody who’s a top name.”

Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.