Roach expects February return for Pacquiao, wants Garcia as next foe

Manny Pacquiao reacts after defeating Keith Thurman by split decision in a welterweight title fight Saturday, July 20, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

MANILA, Philippines–Freddie Roach hinted at a February comeback for Manny Pacquiao possibly against rangy American former champ Danny Garcia.

Interviewed by fighthype.com at his Wild Card gym in Los Angeles, the long-time Pacquiao coach and Hall of Fame said he’s sure Pacquiao will be back in the United States in February.

“He’ll be back. I believe in February. They’re talking about that but I’m not sure how close they are at getting it. Danny Garcia looks like a good fight,” Roach said in the video interview.

MP Promotions chief has mentioned Danny Garcia’s name along with another former champion Mikey Garcia for Pacquiao’s next fight.

Roach initially tossed the name of Errol Spence “or somebody good,” but zeroed in on Danny Garcia later on. But Spence is coming from a horrific car accident shortly after an impressive decision win over Shawn Porter.

The 31-year-old Danny Garcia watched at ringside as Pacquiao won over Keith Thurman last June in Las Vegas.

He is regarded as one of the top welterweights around and has a rugged, tough guy persona which is perfect match for Pacquiao’s clean, gentleman air.

Interestingly, Garcia lost to Porter and Thurman. Porter is former Pacquiao spar mate.

He is coming from a seventh-round technical knockout win over Adrian Granados.

Pacquiao, who is turning 41 in December, is in the midst of closing a glorious career having strung up three stunning wins over Lucas Matthyse, Adrien Broner and Thurman.