Manny Pacquiao’s past opponent Keith Thurman is open to a rematch.
Pacquiao made his return to the ring in July to fight WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, following a four-year hiatus that succeeded his loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021.
In what many thought was a robbery of a deserving win for ‘Pac Man’, his comeback bout with Barrios ended in a majority decision draw.
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His valiant resurgence has sparked a lot of discussion about what’s next for the 46-year-old.
With Thurman hinting that he’d be keen on facing Pacquiao again, he has stoked the rivalry by questioning his rival’s tactics during their 2019 bout.
Thurman told YSM Sports Media: “Manny Pacquiao is his own referee.
“I don’t know how much you know about Manny Pacquiao’s history, he calls for breaks, he calls his own low blows, he’ll deduct a point from you when he wants to so you gotta be careful with Manny Pacquiao being his own judge in there.”
Pacquiao edged a split-decision victory to claim the WBA welterweight title during their solo meeting, making him the oldest champion in the division’s history at age 40.
Their clash remains Thurman’s only career defeat, and a second bout would finally give the American a chance to settle the score.
Thurman continued: “You know it’s hard, there’s a part of me that would love an opportunity to get back in this arena to fight Manny Pacquiao again.
“For myself, for my record, for the fans, but you know I’m just going to look and see what comes next man, because I’m gonna be fighting this year guaranteed.”
Ironically, Thurman also returned from a period of inactivity to fight Barrios, although he won their 2022 bout via unanimous decision.
After defeating Brock Jarvis in a third round knockout in his only outing to the ring this year, the American is continuing a successful comeback of his own.
While a rematch for Pacquiao and the former unified welterweight champion, Thurman, may be on the cards – he isn’t the only one of Pacquiao’s old rivals who is seeking a rematch.
What’s next for Manny Pacquiao?
Pacquiao had aimed to become the oldest welterweight champion in history for a second time, by winning the title in his bout against Barrios.
Despite failing to secure the record, a Barrios rematch remains an option although it is the least likely one for the Filipino’s next outing.
Pacquiao is certainly a man that many want the opportunity to fight.
His advisor, Sean Gibbons, has named Rolly Romero and Gervonta Davis as two ideal alternative opponents for his fighter.
Former IBF super-lightweight champion Liam Paro is also seeking a bout with Pacquiao.
The Australian is hoping to lure Pacquiao back to the location he suffered his upset defeat to Jeff Horn in 2017.
