Manny Pacquiao is likely to face WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas on Nov. 5 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada instead of WBO light welterweight titlist Terence Crawford as previously planned by promoter Bob Arum.
The possibility of the Pacquiao-Vargas fight surfaced after Crawford scored a unanimous decision win over former WBC light welterweight titlist Viktor Postol of Ukraine last July 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Crawford successfully defended his tile and remains unbeaten in his professional career. He was praised for his convincing win after scoring two knockdowns in the fifth round on the way to an impressive UD win. Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach, who was at Postol’s corner said he has no problem with Crawford facing Pacquiao but he prefers Pacquiao to do one more fight before facing Crawford possibly next year. He named Vargas and Danny Garcia as probable contenders. ?In November, I?d like it to be one of the two other guys mentioned, Danny Garcia or Jessie Vargas. Garcia would be my top pick but I?m not sure it can be made so I think it?ll be Vargas. I don?t mind it being one of those guys in November but Crawford is much better than them so I wouldn?t want Manny to jump straight into that. I think they should build the fight more, maybe put them both on the same show,? Roach told boxingnews online. ?For sure, the Crawford fight will definitely happen. It?s a good fight but like I said, I want Manny to have one fight first and then fight Crawford,? he said. Vargas is aware of the ongoing talks about the Pacquiao fight and he believes that it is the biggest opportunity he’s been waiting for in his career. “I believe it’s Terence Crawford and I. We’ll see what Bob decides by the end of this upcoming week,” said Vargas whose only career loss was against Timothy Bradley last year. Meanwhile, Arum said he is set to travel to the Philippines on August 9 to work with Pacquiao on the details of his upcoming fight. ?I will fly over to Manila and meet Manny [Pacquiao] to discuss to him the details of his return bout,? Arum told The Manila Times on Sunday via an overseas call. ?I have already booked my flight to Manila. I?m looking forward to that meeting.? Arum added.
