Manny Pacquiao probably only has one or two fights left in him before he makes a full-time switch to the world of politics in his native Philippines. However the former eight-weight world champion wants to go out on a huge money-spinner.
Pacquiao, who held the WBA (Super) welterweight title for a year and a half before recently being made champion "in recess" due to inactivity, told the Daily Tribune that he wants a big fight against a current titleholder.
Long-reigning WBO welter champ Terence Crawford is the name at the top of a lot of fans' lists for perhaps Pacquiao's final opponent, but money could be a stumbling block.
“I like to fight somebody who has a title,” Pacquiao said in the interview.
“We told Bob [Arum] I get $40 million and Crawford gets $10 million.
“I will fight anybody. You know me, I don’t back away from any challenge. Bring ‘em on!”
Part of the reason Pacquiao may be looking to maximise his earnings for a ring return is because his initial plan, a sideshow attraction against MMA star Conor McGregor, was derailed by the Irishman's recent defeat to Dustin Poirier.
Multiple sources suggest that while Paradigm, the management company who now represent both "Pac-Man" and "The Notorious", retain a glimmer of hope that they can still make it happen, the chances of McGregor's second foray into a boxing ring raking in eight figures was dealt a serious blow by the surprising second-round stoppage defeat.