Since Manny Pacquiao defeated a much younger Keith Thurman last July, the Filipino boxing champ has been straightforward about looking for his next worthy opponent. His next match is now more likely happening early next year. Meanwhile, the list of possible opponents has reportedly been narrowed down to two names.
Manny Pacquiao next fight schedule: Return to the ring set in spring 2020?
It is not shocking to hear that Pacquiao is going back on the ring in 2020. What boxing fans have been wondering is the exact schedule of his next fight.
A particular match date has yet to be decided. However, MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons confirmed to ESPN that Pacquiao’s fight would take place sometime in early 2020 — more specifically between late March and April.
Pacquiao’s long-time trainer, Freddie Roach, stated the same thing earlier this month. Roach clarified, though, that he is not involved in deciding the match schedules and opponents for the 40-year-old boxer. But it now turns out that Roach’s report was accurate. The reigning WBA Super Welterweight champion, also an elected lawmaker, noted that this period is favorable for him to fight because the Philippine Senate will be on a break.
Manny Pacquiao next opponent: List narrowed down to Danny Garcia and Mikey Garcia
Just like Roach mentioned, Gibbons also affirmed that Pacquiao’s shortlist of next opponents include the names of Danny Garcia and Mikey Garcia. Gibbons insisted that “nothing definite” has been decided yet on who is going up against Pacquiao’s first 2020 match. On the other hand, Roach revealed he prefers Danny of the two Garcias, adding that he is the “better fighter.”
That is not to say that Mikey is not a worthy opponent for Pacquiao. The California-based fighter has proven his competence in the ring after a 39 winning streak since he started his professional career up until he got his first loss against Errol Spence Jr. last March.
It can be said, though, that Danny has better momentum as a possible early 2020 match with Pacquiao approaches. The Philadelphia native is coming off a seventh-round knockout win against Adrian Granados last April.