Manny Pacquiao has addressed recent retirement rumors about himself and has revealed his future in boxing, which is sure to delight his fans.
The last time Pac-man stepped into the ring for a fight was back in July 2017 when he lost the WBO welterweight title via unanimous decision to Jeff Horn at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia. Questions about his future in boxing have been raised since this loss.
However, speaking to host Karen Davila on ANC's Headstart on Wednesday morning, Pacquiao addressed the retirement rumors and his future in boxing, saying he's not going to be hanging up the gloves for the time being.
The Filipino confirmed he has no plans to retire anytime soon and sees a match-up with Vasyl Lomachenko, who is considered as one of the best "pound-for-pound" fighters on the planet, as one of the biggest fights out there for his return.
He said, via World Boxing News: "I'm not retired yet. I'm still okay."
Pacquiao is looking to return to the ring in April during a break from his duties as a Philippines senator. The plan for the 39-year-old is to then fight the winner of Horn vs Terence Crawford fight later this year.
The eight-division world champion says they are trying to work out the catch-weight, as he said, via Boxing Scene: "There are negotiations now about the number one pound-for-pound (boxer) which is Lomachenko. There are still talks on the weight, reducing the weight."
Lomachenko is looking to move up to 135-pounds in 2018, whereas Pacquiao is fighting at 147. The Ukrainian's handlers had said they have no intention of taking the fight above 135-pounds, while Freddie Roach will not allow the Filipino to go under 140-pounds. Somebody is going to have to budge if this fight is going to happen.
However, what Pacquiao offers that Lomachenko is yet to receive from any one of his other 11 professional fights in boxing so far is a huge payday, so the world's best active pound for pound boxer may be more willing to move up for a one-off super-lightweight showdown in order to make that happen.