Manny Pacquiao likely to fight again next year

Manny Pacquiao, center, reacts as referee Kenny Bayless holds up his hand signaling his victory over Keith Thurman in a welterweight title fight Saturday, July 20, 2019, in Las Vegas. Pacquiao won by split decision. (AP Photo/John Locher)

LAS VEGAS—After earning the WBA (Super) welterweight title by beating Keith Thurman, Manny Pacquiao proved that he is far from done despite being 40.

Pacquiao on Saturday night became the first man to defeat Keith Thurman as he claimed a split decision win in a fight where the eight-division champion even scored a first-round knockdown.

The Filipino legend sold out MGM Grand Garden Arena again and expect another packed crowd where ever he ends up fighting in 2020.

READ: Pacquiao captures WBA super welterweight crown after split decision over Thurman

“I think next year. My next fight will probably be next year,” Pacquiao said shortly after edging the 30-year-old Thurman in a bloody bout.

Thurman, who was rocked several times throughout the fight, gave Pacquiao a challenge that the fighting senator had not experienced in quite some time.

Pacquiao will likely have his hands full again when he returns to the ring with a possible showdown against the winner of the Errol Spence Jr. and Shawn Porter bout.

READ: Welterweight champs Errol Spence Jr., Shawn Porter to fight Sept. 28

Spence, the unbeaten IBF welterweight champion, and Porter, the current WBC titleholder, go toe-to-toe on September 28 at Staples Center in Los Angeles and Pacquiao plans to be at ringside.

“I hope I can watch that fight. I want to be there and witness the fight.”