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What’s Next For Manny Pacquiao?

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By Bradley “The Bulldog” Johnson

There has been a question floating around media and social media. That question is, what is next for Manny Pacquiao? Well of course fighting for the WBA “regular” welterweight world title against Lucas Matthysse. This fight will be taking place at Axiata arena, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 14th or 15th depending what part of the world you live in.

Manny Pacquiao, 59-7-2, 38 Ko’s will determine what he has left in the sport of boxing against heavy handed Lucas Matthysse, 39-4, 36 Ko’s. Both men’s best days are in the rear-view mirror, but one will move on to another fight and lucrative pay day. The 35 years old Argentinian Matthysse was stopped by Postol in 2015. Since then he took some time off then moved to the welterweight division where he fought twice and won both fights by stoppage.

Manny Pacquiao on the other hand has been fighting at or around the welterweight division since 2009. Manny will be turning 40 on December 17th of this year. Pacquiao is coming off a controversial loss to WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn. Rather than take a rematch with Horn, Manny decided to move on with his career and face Matthysse.

We are seeing many fans ask what is next for Manny Pacquiao, meaning after Matthysse. That is something ok for the fans but not a good idea for Manny. Manny better stay focused on the task ahead of him or may end up ending his career in quicker than intended.
Terence Crawford has been a name thrown around if he and Pacquiao both win their fights. I’ll tell you right now, that fight is not happening. Bob Arum and Manny Pacquiao both agree that at this stage of Manny’s career that is just not a smart move for Pacquiao. Chance of happening about 1%.

The next big name being thrown out there is Vasyl Lomachenko, 11-1, 9 Ko’s 3 division world champion that is also promoted by Top Rank and Bob Arum. An interesting fight due to Pacquiao’ s punching power in both hands and aggressive style. Also, because Manny will be the bigger and stronger guy. Manny is used to facing much larger guys and has dealt with their power well while delivering punishment. He shouldn’t have any problem walking through Lomachenko’ s punches but landing his own may pose a problem. At this stage of the game Lomachenko’ s reflexes, boxing skills, and angles might just be too much. Styles make fights so even with the age difference it could be interesting. Chances of this torch passing fight taking place is about 50% at this point.

We can not look past Manny Pacquiao’ s fight in July for a next opponent. There are too many factors we still need to consider. Freddie Roach and Manny have already parted ways which is a sign the end is near on a legendary career. Where the legend goes from here all depends on what we see in Malaysia.

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