Errol Spence Jr and Manny Pacquiao are reportedly both in the running for a shot at a world champion having previously been close to fighting themselves.
Spence has not competed since he was beaten by pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford when they clashed for the undisputed welterweight championship in 2023. The 35-year-old suffered a ninth round stoppage defeat at the hands of his countryman at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
As for ‘PacMan’, the 46-year-old Filipino great announced his retirement from boxing shortly after he was outpointed by former WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas back in 2021, although he has left the door open for a sensational return to the ring in the years that have followed.
One fighter in particular who has emerged as a potential opponent for both Spence and Pacquiao is reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, who was elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford was making the decision to move up in weight.
Speaking to World Boxing News, Barrios’ trainer Bob Santos weighed in on the current situation surrounding his fighter’s next opponent.
“You know I don’t really know what’s going on. We’ll see how it plays out. I mean everything’s on the table, but they’re [promoters Premier Boxing Champions] talking about Spence.”
Santos was then asked about the chances of Barrios defending his crown against Pacquiao next – a long-rumoured fight that has been discussed but ultimately forgotten due to Pacqiaou’s politcal commitments and campaigns.
“I think it’s great anytime your name can be mentioned with Manny Pacquiao. That’s always a good thing. I think it would be a tremendous fight for the fans. Pacquiao always keeps himself in great shape, as does Barrios. Styles make fights, and I think it would be a tremendous fight.”
An announcement on the WBC welterweight champion’s next outing is expected to be made in the coming weeks, with the 29-year-old setting his sights on getting back to winning ways after he drew with Abel Ramos back in November.
Spence has hinted that he will indeed return to the sport, although it was assumed that it would be at a higher weight after looking tight at the 147 limit, thus ruling out Barrios.
