Manny Pacquiao Brushes Off Boxing Talks For Now, Stresses Need To Address COVID-19

The Coronavirus pandemic has caught everybody off-guard that most of the unthinkable things were distressingly realized. For instance, Manny Pacquiao is putting boxing the least of his priorities for now as his country combats the deadly virus – a rare occurrence nobody saw coming.

“You know, I’m not yet thinking of boxing but this problem, this pandemic, and our people,” said Pacquiao in an interview on One News’ “The Chiefs” per the Phil Star. “That’s why I’m discouraging mass gatherings like boxing promotions and other sports because if we don’t, we will not solve this problem,” he said.

The eight-division world champion has been heavily involved in several charitable efforts aimed at extending help to his countrymen who are severely affected by the crisis. Serving as a Senator of the Philippines, Pacquiao has also proposed the “New Normal Bill,” which focuses on safety measures to avoid the further spread of the virus.

“I know how they feel – I’ve been there before – with nothing to eat and just drinking water to survive. Let’s join hands in helping them, and resolve this problem of COVID-19,” added Pacquiao as he recalled his life as a young boy who had to endure poverty in the southern part of the country.

Obviously pre-occupied by the current situation, Pacquiao appeared to brush off talks about what’s next for him in the fight scene. As the 41-year-old is kept busy with his government task, there are already a handful of rumors suggesting that his next fight will be against undefeated WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford.

“I had feelers out before all of this happened with the coronavirus where it was pretty much down the line about getting a Pacquiao-Crawford fight on late in the summer or in the fall,” Top Rank CEO Bob Arum told the Boxing Scene. “Then, of course, everything blew up. But I am optimistic that I will be able to continue with these talks in the next month or so. I talked to Terence and (trainer/manager Brian McIntyre) about it. It appears to me that Crawford and Pacquiao wanna go ahead with that fight.”

Everything stays uncertain until a clearer view of what’s ahead for boxing, and sports, in general, is seen. And with Pacquiao being uncommitted in any bout for now, it is likely that the potential showdown against Crawford will remain a long shot until the situation settles.