Manny Pacquiao wants to land a big-name opponent for his next bout.
Now 47, the eight-weight world champion came out of retirement earlier this year after four years away from boxing.
In July, he fought WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a controversial draw in Las Vegas. While Barrios kept his title, the result split opinion within the boxing world.
Pacquiao is now looking for a superstar opponent for his return to the ring in 2026.
Who Manny Pacquiao wants to fight next
Pacquiao’s advisor, Sean Gibbons, has shared some insight into the kind of opponents the former champion is hoping to face next.
Pacquiao is not interested in tune-ups. He wants high-profile fights, even at this stage of his career.
He told Betway: “Manny wants real fights – big fights, entertaining fights.
“That goes back to Gervonta [Davis], [Floyd] Mayweather, and Ryan [Garcia].
“Devin Haney? You can throw Devin Haney in the mix as well.
“These are the types of fights Manny would take. They move, they’re skilled, they’re not overly dangerous for a 47-year-old guy in the ring. At this age, it’s prizefighting. And whatever the biggest prize is, Manny’s not worried.
“I think he could fight twice. He’s done exhibitions, which keep him active, but he’s really in shape right now. He’s running, training, and fired up by his son, Jimuel. One of the biggest things we want to do is Manny and Jimuel on the same show – father and son.”
Manny Pacquiao tells his son what he needs to do before fighting again
‘PacMan’ has made it clear that his son will need to meet a specific requirement if he wants to return to the ring following his debut.
Last month, Jimuel fought Brendan Lally, an English teacher and former collegiate boxing champion from the University of Illinois.
It was a four-round lightweight contest, where Lally looked like he had pulled off an upset. However, the result was ruled a majority draw. One judge gave it 39-37 for Pacquiao Jr., while the other two scored it even at 38-38.
After the fight, Manny said he was pleased with his son’s showing but stated he would need more control over training if there were going to be any more fights.
He explained: “I want to make sure that, if he fights again, I’m gonna supervise his training.
“He can fight again, but I have to make sure I’m supervising his training.
“I don’t want that to happen again.
“He needs to improve his instincts and focus on his opponent in the fight.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
