MANNY PACQUIAO formed one half of the ?fight of the century? against Floyd Mayweather in May. After suffering a comprehensive points loss Manny cited a damaged shoulder and isn?t expected to be back in action until next year. But he remains one of the biggest names in the sport. So it got us wondering whom he should fight once he returns.
Alex Zendra gives his list of the top five next opponents for Manny Pacquiao. Click HERE to read on.
5. Floyd Mayweather
FLOYD MAYWEATHER might agree to the terms of a rematch and Manny?s shoulder injury could provide the justification for one to surface. However ?Money? may not feel especially sympathetic if he feels Pacquiao?s talk of injury has taken the shine off Mayweather?s own victory. Evidently, the damage may be done as hopes of the mega-fight rematch fade.
4. Keith Thurman
WITH Floyd Mayweather voicing a shortlist of two, Andre Berto or Karim Mayfield, Keith Thurman may still have his ?One Time? chance to face one of the best pugilists of our generation in Manny Pacquiao. There would be fireworks and Thurman?s power gives him the chance to follow the example of the Juan Manuel Marquez knockout.
3. Terence Crawford
THE 2014 fighter of the year has nearly shot to stardom and has ambitions to conquer 140lbs, already winning the vacant WBO light-welter title in his first bout at the weight. Pacquiao could move back down in weight to seek further glory (Manny boxed Chris Algieri at an 144lbs catchweight). A 2016 fight is highly possible as both are signed with Top Rank, which may foreshadow a future clash.
2. Kell Brook
DUE to his successful run as IBF champion, Kell Brook is probably the most deserving of a Manny Pacquiao or even a Floyd Mayweather fight. The ?Special One? would be a tough task due to his effective timing and if Pacman were to regain his WBO belt it could mean a possible unification clash, making it an even tastier affair.
1. Amir Khan
SPEED equals power, and is something Amir Khan shares with his former stablemate Manny Pacquiao. An engagement between them would be the most explosive one possible today. Khan wouldn?t be a heavy underdog and if the Olympic silver medallist can live up to his ?King? nickname and conquer PacMan, he might get his wish of fighting Floyd Mayweather after all.
