Manny Pacquiao Next Fight: 4 Potential Opponents For PacMan In 2014

In his rematch with Timothy Bradley, Manny Pacquiao reclaimed the WBO welterweight title. Now, the champ is looking for his next opponent.

PacMan is hoping that Floyd Mayweather will accept his challenge to fight towards the end of the year. However, Pacquiao’s association with Top Rank is likely to prevent the mega-fight from happening any time soon.

Even with Mayweather out of the picture, there are a few boxers that could make for an interesting opponent in Pacquiao’s next fight.

Juan Manuel Marquez

Pacquiao has faced Marquez four times in the last decade, and a fifth matchup between the two could be on the horizon. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum has stated that the winner of PacMan’s fight with Bradley would be in line to take on the winner of Marquez vs. Mike Alvarado. That fight is set for May 17, and Marquez is favored to be victorious. While Pacquiao has only lost once in four tries to the 40-year-old, Marquez knocked out Pacquiao in their last bout. Marquez hasn’t competed since October, when he lost a split decision to Bradley.

Mike Alvarado

If Alvarado can upset Marquez, a fight with Pacquiao could await him at the end 2014. He hasn’t had much luck of late, losing two of his last three fights. Alvarado was defeated by Brandon Rios in October 2012, as the referee was forced to call the fight in the seventh round. Nearly six months later, Alvarado got his revenge in a unanimous decision. In October 2013, Ruslan Provodnikov took the WBO light welterweight title from Alvarado, who couldn’t make it to the 11th round.

Amir Khan

The Brit is aiming to fight Mayweather in September, after failing to get his shot at the undefeated boxer this May. He’ll face Luis Collazo on the under card of Mayweather-Maidana at the MGM Grand. However, if that fight doesn’t earn him a shot against his desired opponent, Khan would have no trouble taking on Pacquiao. While the two have been sparring partners, Khan told reporters at the end of 2013 that he would “definitely” fight his friend. Khan has won his last two fights, beating Julio Diaz and Carlos Molina.

Danny Garcia

Following his win over Mauricio Herrera in March, Garcia is looking for his next opponent. The light welterweight title holder has a perfect record, defeating the likes of Lucas Matthysse, Zab Judah, Amir Khan and Erik Morales. Garcia has said he wouldn’t shy away from a fight with anyone, including Pacquiao. While a bout between the two is unlikely, it would make for a very interesting match.