Manny Pacquiao next fight: What 40-year-old boxer's win vs. Keith Thurman means for his career

Manny Pacquiao has been clear about the subject of retirement. Based on previous and most recent interviews, it is not an idea that the athlete-politician is currently entertaining. And after winning from a 10-year younger Keith Thurman last Saturday, does this mean fans should expect him back in the ring soon?

Why Manny Pacquiao’s win vs. Keith Thurman was significant

Pacquiao’s latest win was some kind of a statement, especially after Thurman constantly promised to end the Filipino boxer’s career on the night of July 22. The Philippine senator won by a split decision (115-112, 115-112, 113-114) from the fight that is considered by many to be the biggest boxing match of 2019.

Age is an important factor in an athlete’s career, and Pacquiao is turning 41 in December. This leads many fans to the question of whether the win from Thurman is going to be his graceful exit from the boxing scene. However, that will not be the case as Pacquiao made very clear.

After returning to the Philippines, Pacquiao told the local media on Tuesday that he was not even considering retirement at this point and added that he is still happy going on fights. But Pacquiao confirmed that saying farewell from the sport is definitely in the cards. But it will only happen after several matches in the near future.

Since Pacquiao is clearly on the lookout for some more boxers to fight, sports fans are now wondering who gets to share the ring with him next. Forbes reports that, per recent betting odds, American boxer Errol Spence Jr. is a favorite. Spence will face Shawn Porter for the WBC welterweight title on Sept. 28 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Winning that match will certainly make a more solid case to name Spence as Pacquiao’s next opponent.

Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: part 2 — Is it still possible?

Whenever the discussion is about Pacquiao’s next opponent, one name will always certainly come up: Floyd Mayweather Jr. These two boxers have been recognized as the legends of their generation with Pacquiao becoming the only eight-division champ ever and Mayweather retiring without getting a single pro loss.

Pacquiao lost in their first fight; unfortunately, he might not get a chance for a rematch. Mayweather has been adamant in staying retired — except for that one time he fought a newly certified boxer pro by the name of Conor McGregor.