Pacquiao vs Crawford: Next, later or never?
There are many fans of Manny Paquiao who have started wondering if the Filipino boxing superhero is still interested in fighting the unbeaten WBO junior welterweight champion Terence Crawford (30 wins, 21 KOs).
Expectations of a monumental Pacquiao-Crawford fight rose last weekend after the sharp and flashy sensation from Omaha scored an eighth-round stoppage of mandatory challenger John Molina before calling out Pacquiao from atop the ring.
Pacquiao has responded to the dare with total silence.
Sen. Pacquiao can’t be blamed. Last heard of, he has taken a break from the Senate to ply the diplomatic route.
From Cambodia, where he accompanied President Duterte on a state visit, Pacquiao was set to stay with the presidential party in a succeeding visit to Singapore.
While in Phnom Penh, Sen. Pacquiao enjoyed great moments with members of the Cambodian national boxing team, talked about boxing, but never bothered to touch on the hot topic about a possible bout with Crawford.
It may not be fair to say Sen. Pacquiao has made himself scarce; but there were also those who feel he should’ve at least made it known if he’s still interested in fighting Crawford, described by trainer Freddie Roach as “young, strong and dangerous.”
Promoter Bob Arum had started touting the big bout between the two pound-for-pound stars much earlier. However, admitting that he would need a longer break from his tight schedule from the Senate in order to prepare properly for Crawford, Pacquiao was next left clashing with a more convenient foe in Jessie Vargas, whose WBO welterweight crown the Filipino superhero eventually recaptured.
There were great hopes the stellar bout would happen either in April or May next year, which would be perfect for Pacquiao as the timing would allow him a longer break from his Senate chores.
However, out of nowhere, Arum announced Pacquiao would most likely next fight in June.
Arum went on to say Adrien Broner could be a good alternate foe for Crawford.
Meanwhile, the Omaha World-Herald yesterday reported Crawford has been sentenced to 90 days in jail over disturbance at a body shop in April. The same report said Crawford would be serving 53 days of his sentence under legal condition.
“I’m not holding my breath, but obviously, if Floyd Mayweather decides to come back and wants to fight Manny, that’s the fight we would work on; although there’s no indication that’s the case,” Arum explained.
Arum has reportedly vowed to visit Pacquiao in Manila next month to “sit down and finalize things.”
