Pacquiao Next Fight Rumors: Boxer May Have Hinted At Warm-Up Fight In New Post

KEY POINTS

Manny Pacquiao may be looking for a warm-up opponent based on his new Facebook post
Pacquiao could follow the lead of Conor McGregor before their big 2021 showdown
Mike Garcia could be the perfect opponent for Pacquiao before the McGregor bout

Manny Pacquiao is in the mood to fight, and engaging in a warm-up bout in preparation for his planned showdown with UFC star Conor McGregor may be in the cards. Like "The Notorious," it would not come as a surprise if Pacquiao looks at potential opponents to get himself ready for that big clash.

As a senator in the Philippines, Pacquiao is understandably busy performing his duties to help his countrymen survive the coronavirus pandemic. Though there has been little update on his training, a warm-up clash in the coming months cannot be discounted based on his recent Facebook post.

"I’m in the mood to fight. #TeamPacquiao," he posted, along with a photo of him in a blue suit.

There are several boxers whom Pacquiao could face. At the top of the list is Mikey Garcia, someone who had previously declared that it would be him that the eight-time division champion will be facing first before McGregor.

“I would love it and it would be an honor to go up in the ring with Manny Pacquiao. He is a legend. It would be something great and it is the fight that interests me the most. Actually, we have not reached any agreement [with his team], I have not communicated with anyone from his team. But I would love it,” Garcia said in an earlier report.

The last update Pacquiao gave is that he had signed a contract with Paradigm Sports Management. This is the same label that handles UFC fighters McGregor and Cris Cyborg.

The 41-year-old boxer showed this off on Twitter, fueling the belief that a fight with the Irishman will happen in 2021.

Excited to have officially partnered with @ParadigmSports ___Grateful for the support of my family, team, and fans as I continue my professional boxing journey. Big things coming! Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/bawoPAGv4H
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) October 11, 2020

Before that, it was McGregor doing all the talk of facing Pacquiao in a boxing match in 2021. Allies close to the boxer-senator also gave their take on the rumored fight.

However, Pacquiao wanted one condition for that to push through - he wanted to co-promote the fight. The signing with Paradigm Sports Management may have addressed that demand. Pacquiao plans to donate a portion of the fight purse to his fellow countrymen struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines.

Pacquiao is seen as the favorite in the clash with McGregor, a boxing match that may not last long. Unlike Floyd Mayweather Jr., the Filipino boxer wants to get it on and exchange blows. Aware of the challenge ahead, McGregor will do his part and prepare himself by facing Dustin Poirier in January 2021.