Resurgent Manny Pacquiao wants second crack at Floyd Mayweather Jnr after reclaiming title
The fighting Philippines senator beat dangerous WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday
Despite racing towards his 40th birthday, Pacquiao looks like he is back to being the devastatingly quick and ruthless power-puncher who earned the sobriquet of world’s “best pound-for-pound fighter” between 2000 and 2010.
After rolling back the years to pummel Matthysse into seventh-round submission, the Filipino legend is already considering the options for his next fight, which could take place as early as November or December.
“Mayweather? If he decides to go back to boxing then that is the time we are going to call the shots,” an effervescent Pacquiao told reporters at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur after his stunning win.
“I have the belt, so it’s up to him. If he wants to come back in boxing let’s do a second one,” he grinned.
Pacquiao also highlighted British former light welterweight world champion Amir Khan as a potential opponent.
“My next fight, I want to defend my belt,” Pacquiao said.
He also said he would carry on fighting past his 40th birthday in December, despite the demands of juggling life in the ring with a political career outside it.
“If boxing is not my passion, I would not fight again,” Pacquiao said.
“It’s like I’m addicted to boxing and I really love to fight and bring honour to my country.”
Veteran promoter Bob Arum has also talked up a superfight with his Top Rank stable’s three-belt lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko, but that would necessitate Pacquiao dropping back down from 147 to 140 or 135 pounds, weight divisions he has not fought at for 10 years.
But for now, the man who one day may run for president in the Philippines – where he is worshipped – will return to his day job in the senate’s legislative department where his inbox has been filling up while he was away in training camp.
“There’s going to be a lot of work in the office,” he said with a grin.