Manny Pacquiao (left) and Terrence Crawford could fight outside the US, if talks go on as planned. AP FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines — The next several days will be crucial whether a showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Terence Crawford will materialize, as per Top Rank chief Bob Arum.
Arum said Pacquiao is on top of Crawford’s wish list for his next fight while former welterweight champion Shawn Porter is another option.
“[Shawn’s father and trainer Kenny Porter] came to our office two weeks ago to talk about a Crawford–Porter fight, and then out of nowhere the idea of a tremendous site fee, a possibility of doing Pacquiao-Crawford came up,” Arum told Barbershop Conversations. “Obviously, it’s more money for Terence. Terence would prefer a Pacquiao fight than anyone else.”
“Yeah, we’re going to see what happens, and we’ll know this week whether Pacquiao-Crawford can happen,” he added. “If it doesn’t happen, since (Errol) Spence clearly doesn’t want to fight Crawford, I think Crawford-Porter would be a tremendous fight.”
Pacquiao has been inactive since beating Keith Thurman for the WBA (Super) welterweight title in July 2019, but he’s been back training again for his impending ring return this year.
The 42-year-old has been reportedly in talks with prospect Ryan Garcia though there’s nothing definite yet.
Meanwhile, the unbeaten Crawford retained his WBO crown last November after dominating former champion Kell Brook in four rounds in Las Vegas.