Boxing Rumors: Pacquiao Career May End With Spence Fight

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has yet to announce his next opponent, but Errol Spence Jr. is a leading candidate. Both recently crossed paths at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas where the 29-year-old Spence won handily against Mikey Garcia.

It was a dominant showing for Spence with interest ramping up in the post-fight. The reigning IBF welterweight champion invited Pacquiao into the ring and both teased on the idea of a fight. For those who have been following either fighter, a potential showdown between the two boxers has already been mentioned in the past.

Back in February, the undefeated American boxer made it known that he was willing to face Pacquiao even in the Philippines, Tempo Sports reported. Picking up from that, the Filipino's sudden decision to be at Dallas further stirs the pot. Pacquiao has not been to Dallas since last fighting Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito.

If the camps of both Pacquiao and Spence are able to work things out, pundits believe that the latter holds a decisive edge over the eight-time division champion. That is outside the fact that Spence put on quite a display against Garcia.

Aside from an 11-year age gap, Forbes singled out how Spence holds a slight edge in height over Pacquiao. Brian Mazique also shared his observation on Pacquiao response when asked if he wanted to face Spence next.

Pacquiao is never known to back down and the awkward reply may be because the boxing-politician has someone else in mind. Before Spence, the PacMan crossed paths with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and both had exchanged minor pleasantries. And each time both Pacquiao and Mayweather meet, sparks of a potential rematch immediately crop up, Manila Bulletin Sports reported.

Apparently, a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao rematch stole the limelight for a second, overshadowing Spence's dominant showing against Garcia. Either way, Pacquiao is likely to meet either of the two - with Spence likely to be the boxer facing the 40-year-old Filipino pug.

Facing a fighter 11 years younger could be detrimental to the chances of Pacquiao. While he feels he can still go on, Spence is no pushover. He is a dangerous adversary, meaning Pacquiao and his team need to make sure that the undefeated American not only hands the People's Champion a loss but a serious injury in the process.