McGregor then Lomachenko, so who’s next?

Vasyl Lomachenko, of Ukraine, punches a bag during a workout at a Manhattan boxing gym Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, in New York, while preparing for his Saturday WBO super featherweight title fight against Guillermo Rigondeaux. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

This is no longer funny. The morning after it was alleged Manny Pacquiao was in talks to fight Vasyl Lomachenko, the manager of the Ukrainian pound-for-pound star came up with a sweeping denial.

“No, it’s not truth,” cried Egis Klimas.

Lomachenko’s manager didn’t have to elaborate. But after the rumor persisted, Klimas found it his duty to set the record straight.

He said: “This is insane. No we are not fighting Pacquiao. He is an old man and Loma beating him takes us nowhere. They’d say he beat an old guy who was basically retired. We want to fight active champions dominating their weight class.”

There loomed the promise of a great purse, after Pacquiao said on national television he was set and raring to clash with Lomachenko.

The challenge had been readily turned down.

“It can’t be just about money,” Klimas explained. “Pacquiao is legendary and very respectful, but he’s non-active. He’s done and Loma won’t take advantage. We’ve better route fighting active champions in our weight class.”

Anyway, when Pacquiao called out mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor last November—“Stay fit my dear friend”—it could be purely out of fancy.

There’s however honest urgency in the Lomachenko case.

Pacquiao said he wanted to box because it’s his life.

“I miss boxing,” he stated.

As things stand, Pacquiao would most likely get his chance to return to action, possibly in April.

The question is against who.

Two possible foes—Amir Khan and Mike Alvarado—have been mentioned.

Veteran promoter Bob Arum said Pacquiao’s next fight would be a unique one.