What’s Next For Manny Pacquiao?

Manny Pacquiao secured a controversial majority draw against Mario Barrios, raising question marks over his next steps. 

Pacquiao was seeking his first pro win since 2019, where he had beaten Keith Thurman for the WBA Welterweight Title, becoming the oldest welterweight champ at 40. He had the chance to break his own record at becoming champ at 147 by the age of 46. Despite the draw, many felt Manny should have been victorious. Naturally, the attention will turn towards his next steps.

Pacquiao could target a lucrative rematch with Floyd Mayweather. They faced off in 2015, as Mayweather won a unanimous decision. However, Pacman claimed he had a shoulder injury heading into the fight. Those claims may have some credence, as Pacquiao later underwent surgery on his rotator cuff. Floyd Mayweather was linked with attending the Pacquiao-Barrios fight, raising speculation that a rematch could happen. Although it never happened, it is brewing in the background.

“I don’t see why Barrios again. There’s Rolly Romero, ‘Tank’ Davis. Why do it again? Mario Barrios doesn’t draw anything and brings nothing to the table but that belt. Rolly Romero would be an unbelievably fun fight and one hell of a promotion,” Gibbons said 

Options

Alternatively, Pacquiao could target a fight against Tank Davis or Rolando Romero. Sean Gibbons, Manny’s manager, has dismissed a rematch with Barrios. He singled out Romero, who has beaten Ryan Garcia in his best win. Romero will promote the fight well, while he is also an action-packed fighter. Gervonta Davis would find it tough to box at 147, as he would have to jump up two weight classes. However, the fight would no doubt sell out.

It would also be the perfect time for Pacquiao to retire from the sport. He has secured a respectable draw, putting behind the disappointment that emerged from the Yordenis Ugas fight. Pacquiao is an eight-division world champion who entered the Hall of Fame this year. There are too many cases of boxers risking everything only to suffer extensive damage.

However, if Pacman still desires to compete, he could always take on a crossover bout. The likes of Jake Paul would no doubt jump at the chance to take this fight. Despite the weight difference, it has not stopped Paul from wanting to box Gervonta Davis, who fights at a lighter weight class than Pacman, that being at 135. Either way, Pacquiao has a decision to make.