Should fight legend and WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao defeat heavy underdog Jeff Horn in July, he’ll have plenty of next-flight options.
He could, among others, face WBO jr welterweight champion Terence Crawford or former multi-division champion Mikey Garcia.
Even Amir Khan is an option.
There’s one name, however, we aren’t hearing much about.
Bradley Skeete (25-1, 11 KO).
Let’s take a look at the WBO’s top four welterweight contenders.
1. Timothy Bradley USA 2. Jeff Horn (Int-Cont) AUST 3. Jessie Vargas USA 4. BRADLEY SKEETE UK
If Manny defeats Horn, he will have already beaten 3 of the WBO’s top 4 fighters come July. And Tim Bradley, who Manny has already faced three times, might not be in the welterweight ratings much longer because he hasn’t fought in a year.
In or by August, Skeete could be the top contender.
So what else would, or should, make Skeete an option?
Answer: He’s from the boxing-crazy UK.
Manny Pacquiao would undoubtedly generate tremendous interest in a country where boxing is mainstream. Perhaps Pacquiao vs Skeete wouldn’t be Klitschko vs Joshua or Froch vs Grover 2, but it would be a very big – and potentially very lucrative – event in the UK.
—————————- Pacquiao vs Horn Date: July 2, 2017 Venue: Suncorp Stadium Location: Brisbane, Australia
Division: Welterweight Title: WBO Champion: Manny Pacquiao ————————–
Keep in mind, 55,000 strong are expected to be on-hand in Brisbane for Pacquiao vs Horn this summer. Pacquiao vs Skeete in the UK would have a bigger live gate.
Another interesting nugget would be the height difference. Skeete is 6’1,” seven inches taller than Manny. How would Pacquiao deal with a fighter that rangy?
Skeete faces Shayne Singleton (23-1-1) on June 2nd. If Bradley is impressive, the possibility of Pacquiao vs Skeete could make waves in the UK.
In terms of overall revenue, Pacquiao vs Skeete wouldn’t generate as much as money as Pacquiao vs Crawford due to the presumed lack of American PPV interest. However, the risk vs reward factor could be more favorable, and Mannny could still generate handsome coin while defending his title against a top contender.
Bradley Skeete facts and stats
Record: 25-1, 11 KO
Born: 1987-10-17 (Age:29) Birthplace: Tooting, London, United Kingdom Hometown: Penge, London, United Kingdom
Stance: Orthodox Height: 6’1″/ 185cm
Promoter: Frank Warren
Debut: November 2010 Only loss: Frankie Gavin (then 20 1 0) via UD in 2010
