Manny Pacquiao Next Fight: Will it Be Against Danny Garcia? Bob Arum Speaks Up
Philippine boxing pride Manny Pacquiao will not face Danny Garcia in his next fight, even though his trainer Freddie Roach wants him that much.
Roach may have to forego the idea of his prized warrior clashing with the unbeaten Garcia as Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who promotes Pacquiao's fights, confirmed "Pacman" will not fight the Puerto Rican-American boxer.
"No, not Danny Garcia," Arum told The Philippine Star.
The 83-year-old veteran promoter didn't state why he would not let "Pacman" collide with the 27-year-old boxer, but Arum mentioned he already had three boxers in mind, including World Boxing Council Silver welterweight titleholder Amir Khan (31-3, 19 KOs).
It would have been an exciting showdown between the seasoned Filipino fighter and the current World Boxing Association light welterweight champ if they meet inside the ring, as predicted by Roach himself, Boxing Scene informed. It would even top his expectations on the proposed Pacquiao vs. Khan bout.
"I like Danny Garcia, I think he's the more exciting fight. Amir Khan and [Pacquiao] have too much of a similar style where it might be a little bit boring - with two in and out boxers with good speed and so forth. I think Danny Garcia comes to fight, I think he looks for knockouts. I like his style and I think he and Pacquiao would be a great matchup," Roach said.
A Pacquiao-Garcia battle will also be exciting off the ring, as the two trainers from the separate camps will most probably intensify the heat. Danny's father, Angel, told Fight Hype that his son will destroy Pacquiao since he already got knocked out by the Mexican starfighter Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012.
Roach responded that a fight against Garcia (31-0, 18 KOs) will be "the easiest fight" in the world and that "Pacquiao will knock Garcia out," Boxing News noted.
Khan anticipates showdown with Pacquiao
Meanwhile, the British boxer is looking forward into trading punches with "Pacman," especially after failing to be the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s choice for his announced farewell fight, News Day reported.
"Hopefully a Manny Pacquiao fight [is next]. A Pacquiao fight is something I would love to have. I think it can happen...With his fan base and my fan base, that's a huge international fight," Khan said.
Basing on the video taken in 2008 when Khan and Pacquiao were sparring partners under Roach, it seemed they will give an exciting battle. Moreover, retired boxing champion Ricky Hatton, who tasted a second round KO loss from "Pacman" in 2009, believes a Pacquiao-Khan fight will be like a chess match, World Boxing News noted.
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