Manny Pacquiao Fight News: Trainer Freddie Roach Pushing for Terence Crawford Fight If 'Pacman' Opts to Forego Retirement Plans
Despite his retirement plans after April 9th, eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao is still being pitted against elite boxers for a possible fight.
The Filipino boxing icon will be fighting his 66th and supposed last fight in a rubber match against former WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley on the said date, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
After which, he will be retiring to become a full-time politician in his home country of the Philippines, where he is running for a Senatorial seat at the May 9th Philippine elections.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
But his long-time trainer Freddie Roach seems to be convinced that the 37-year old "Pacman" is not done with boxing just yet.
In a report by Boxingscene, the 55-year old famed boxing trainer laid out his possible scenarios if Pacquiao does opt to forego his retirement plans.
"(Terence) Crawford is one that everyone is talking about," Roach said. "I have no problem with Manny fighting Crawford if he decides to go on. I think it's a great fight for the world. I think the best should fight the best and I think he might be the best out there at this point."
Roach added that they will be able to have a "better idea" after Pacquiao completes his task at hand against Bradley. Crawford, the undefeated WBO light welterweight champion, was one of the choices for Pacquiao's April 9th fight, along with former sparring partner Amir Khan.
His name apparently remains the most relevant, and it is something that Top Rank chief Bob Arum had also agreed upon.
"If Manny beats Bradley and decides that he wants to keep fighting, then Crawford is the perfect opponent," Arum said in a February interview with Boxingscene.
Crawford holds a record of 28-0, with 20 victories by knockout. He last saw action last February against Hank Lundy, where he won via fifth round TKO. Yet despite his accomplishments, retired undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. believes "Bud" would have a difficult time against Pacquiao if they do fight.
"If Terence Crawford happens to fight Manny Pacquiao, I want to let him know that it's not going to be easy," Mayweather told Fight Hype. "Even though I know I made it look easy, it's not going to be easy."
