There have been talks about a fight between eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) and the undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs). If Pacquiao’s trainer is to be believed, "Pacman" will soon be ready for the potential showdown.
Justin Fortune, Pacquiao’s former strength and conditioning coach, was in an interview with Lucky Block. In conversation, he mentioned that he is not interested in seeing a rematch between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs) and instead wishes to see him face Crawford.
“That’s a massive payday, and guess what, it’s a 50-50 fight. Manny has a 50 percent chance of winning because he’s still a freak athlete, and it wouldn’t take much to pull him into shape,” he said. “The power he has is a gift from God, he hasn’t lost his power. Manny has never ducked anyone. He’s always fought the best, and not saying Mayweather’s not the best, but he’s old. I’d prefer Manny to come back and prove himself against a current world champion like Crawford.”
Fortune stated that pulling Pacquiao back into shape would not be an issue. However, he added they’d have to work on his speed and explosivity.
“He was a gym rat. I could pull him back into shape for Crawford in eight weeks. Of course, we’ll need to know when to push him or pull back because of his age,” Fortune mentioned.
Pacquiao’s last professional fight was in 2021, when he fought Yordenis Ugas (27-6, 12 KOs) at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. However, he lost the fight via decision. Meanwhile, he is all set to face Muay Thai superstar Buakaw Banchamek (242-24-14, 73 KOs) in April.
The only way to “become greater”
Pacquiao’s team might not be the only one eyeing a Crawford fight. In fact, Teofimo Lopez has been vocal about fighting the champ. Lopez had previously taken a dig at Crawford, an action that ‘Bud’ expressed his displeasure to. In a later interview with SkySports, Lopez opened up about his thoughts on a potential Crawford fight.
“I’m the biggest cat in the world, absolutely, and because of that, we face fighters, great champions, and I look forward to facing a fighter like him,” he mentioned. “Because that’s what ‘The Takeover’ is. What would I be if I didn’t do these things? Who would I be if I didn’t face the best? That is the only way I become greater.”
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