It’s been a hectic few weeks for Manny Pacquiao. The boxing superstar, inactive since a July 2019 victory over Keith Thurman, reacted to Oscar De La Hoya’s comeback news with a light-hearted social media poke at his former rival before speculation surfaced regarding a summer showdown with Terence Crawford.
Pacquiao is no stranger to operating at the business end of his chosen sport but Barry Mcguigan believes that Crawford should forget about the challenge posed by the Filipino legend and focus on a clash with welterweight nemesis, Errol Spence Jr.
“The only show in town for Crawford is Errol Spence,” stated McGuigan when speaking to the Daily Mirror. “Yet that looks no nearer happening. I get it to a degree. With Covid still in play the economics of the fight would take a hit.
“It would be a travesty for both and a missed opportunity for the sport were they to dance around each other much longer. [Floyd] Mayweather enhanced his record with victory over Pacquiao but not his reputation. Crawford and Spence need each other to really cement their names in history.”
Despite McGuigan possessing a preference to see Crawford and Spence collide, the former featherweight world champion insists that Pacquiao is still a stern test for the man from Nebraska if their June fight comes to fruition.
“Crawford is in a class of two with Canelo Alvarez at the top of the Pound for Pound scales. Pacquiao is a remarkable fighter, one of the greatest of all time. He is still here at 42 and good enough to keep Crawford honest. Crawford will have to keep his eye on the ball against Pacquiao. At least the Thurman result has given the match legs.”