Manny Pacquiao To Study Next Possible Opponent, Camp Senses Danger

Coming off a split decision win against Keith Thurman, eight-division title holder Manny Pacquiao is already planning to study the style of his next possible opponent, but his camp has a different point of view.

Moments after punishing Thurman in an action-packed 12-round battle, Pacquiao has hinted at his next possible opponent even before going to the fight's post conference.

Pacquiao had a quick talk with reporters as he walked out of the arena and pointed out two important things. First, he spoke about the skills and power of Thurman in a very simple yet precise way. And more importantly, the Filipino legend revealed his plans and thoughts about Errol Spence and Shawn Porter.

Fight Hub TV uploaded the short interview in which Pacquiao said that he felt like he was fighting a former opponent when he went toe-to-toe with Thurman.

"Strong! (Thurman). I feel like I'm fighting Margarito again," Pacquiao revealed.

When asked about what he plans to do next and his thoughts on the upcoming Spence vs. Porter fight, the two welterweights being linked to him as his next possible opponents. Pacquiao kept the doors open for both fighters and even said that he might come and see the fight.

"We'll see. I might go into the fight and watch the fight on September," Pacquiao said.

Although Spence and Porter both have enough credibility to be the legend's next challenger, Pacquiao's camp is sensing "danger" entering a fight with either Spence or Porter, Philstar Global reported.

According to Pacquiao's friend and trainer Buboy Fernandez, there is no point in fighting Spence.

"If we beat Spence, what will we gain? And what will happen if he ends up beating Manny?” Fernandez said.

International Matchmaker Sean Gibbons, who is also in charge of Pacquiao's boxing affairs stated that they have no plans of fighting Spence or Porter.

"We are not planning to fight Shawn Porter or Errol Spence,” Gibbons stated.

What bothers Fernandez and Gibbons more about fighting Spence or Porter is that they both see the said fighters as a high-risk yet low-reward opponents for Pacquiao. Especially Spence, who has a style and work rate that they believe will cause Pacquiao some serious troubles now that he's in his 40's.

"He is close to 41. What we need to do is protect him and his career,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez and Gibbons prefer Danny Garcia or Mickey Garcia as candidates for Pacquiao's next fight. Danny Garcia has already mentioned during the Pacquiao vs. Thurman weigh-ins that he likes to fight whoever wins the Pacquio-Thurman bout.