Manny Pacquiao‘s hopes of facing his number one target have taken a major blow.
Pacquiao made a sensational return to the ring in July at the age of 46 as he challenged Mario Barrios for his WBC welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
It was the first time that the Filipino icon had been back in the ring since August 2021, and many fans had concerns that he would be way past his best against one of the current best in the division.
Pacquiao managed to prove a lot of those doubters wrong though as he competed with Barrios throughout all 12 rounds as it was scored a maiority decision draw, with some people even believing he had done enough to be crowned the new champion.
It was expected that an immediate rematch would then take place, but Pacquiao is believed to now be targeting other names instead, with one in particular at the top of his list.
Speaking to World Boxing News, his manager Sean Gibbons revealed that Pacquiao has always wanted a fight with Gervonta Davis.
“His dream fight is Gervonta Davis. He loves that fight. He tried to get that fight for a couple of years.”
Any plans for that bout to take place next have been squashed though, after it was announced that Davis is set for a shock clash against Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in November instead.
Davis is the reigning WBA lightweight champion, who was last in action in March when he could only manage a majority decision draw with Lamont Roach. It was a controversial result, with a rematch expected to come next, but ‘Tank’ has instead opted to face Paul.
Paul has become known for his bizarre match-ups, having taken on a 58-year-old Mike Tyson back in November, and he will now face someone in Davis that ‘The Problem Child’ has weighed nearly 100lb heavier than in the past.
As for Pacquiao, he will now have to turn his attention to other options, with the likes of Rolly Romero and Ryan Garcia also believed to be in the running for his next opponent.
