With Lucas Matthysse out of the picture, all signs point to a possible confrontation between Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and British southpaw Amir Khan.
Matthysse’s name was unceremoniously taken out of the picture after the favored Argentine brawler lost by knockout to Ukrainian Viktor Postol last week. Matthysse was one of the leading candidates to face Pacquiao in early 2016 and now it seems that the possible opponent has been whittled down to one.
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With that bout likely looming, critics believe that Pacquiao still holds a decisive edge over his former sparring mate. Hence, a loss seems to be inappropriate and should be a sign that Pacquiao should hang up his gloves.
Such is shared by a well-known trainer, Joel Diaz.
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Diaz was of course the long-time trainer of American boxer Timothy Bradley Jr. before he was replaced by Teddy Atlas. He was in Bradley’s corner when Desert Storm defeated Pacquiao in 2012, as well as the rematch where the Filipino fighter won handily in 2014.
“If Manny Pacquiao fights Amir Khan and loses to Amir Khan, he has no more business in boxing,” Diaz said via On The Ropes Radio.
He also adds though that if Pacquiao may want to look over some other possible opponents. That list includes Danny Garcia or even Keith Thurman.
There is no final word yet on who Pacquiao will face in 2016. But as far as the retirement thing is concerned, such seems to be already in the mind of the Filipino boxer/lawmaker.
As anticipated by many, Pacquiao has bared his intention to run for a senatorial seat in the May 2016 Philippine elections. He is presently serving as congressman for his hometown Saranggani Province and is now looking to move up the political ladder.
But his intent to run drew some negative reactions via social media. Most comments singled out the fact that Pacquiao has been constantly absent during congress assemblies and many feel that this would remain the same should he become a senator.
I have nothing against MANNY PACQUIAO running for SENATOR but.... Its just a disaster waiting to happen.
— Not Jerome (@jerometarriela) October 5, 2015
Manny Pacquiao to run for senator, despite being among top absentees in the lower House. — Jojo Pasion Malig (@JojoMalig) October 5, 2015
To somehow quiet his critics, Pacquiao said that he would retire after his return fight to focus on local politics.
"I think I'm ready [for retirement]. I've been in boxing for more than 20 years. I prayed to God for guidance and I am happy about it. I will have to give up the other things that require my attention. If you are a senator, your focus should only be your job and your family" says Pacquiao thru Sky Sports.
That of course remains to be seen.
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