Khan, Bradley or Crawford: Announcement for Pacquiao's next opponent set this week
Manny Pacquiao is set to name his next opponent in what could be his farewell fight scheduled for April 2016.
Dan Rafael of ESPN reports that Pacquiao’s decision for his next fight will come on Saturday with three contenders— British boxer Amir Khan and American pugilists Timothy Bradley and Terence Crawford—among the options for the Filipino champion.
Bob Arum, the president of Top Rank Promotions, which owns the rights for Pacquiao’s fights, stated that the Filipino will get at least $20 million for his farewell fight most likely to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 9 next year.
Arum added that he prefers either Crawford or Bradley since he promotes both American fighters. Khan is with the rival promoter Al Haymon.
Among the three Pacquiao’s next opponent prospects, Khan (31-3-0, 19 knockouts) appears to be the biggest star with a large following in Europe and the United Kingdom. Khan is looking for his first big pay day against a big name opponent after getting snubbed multiple times by Floyd Mayweather Jr. in recent years.
Bradley (33-1-1, 13 knockouts) is a veteran pro of 11 years and has fought Pacquiao twice in the past but is not considered among the popular boxers today. Bradley won via a controversial 12-round split decision in 2012 against Pacquiao, who won in the rematch in 2014 when the Filipino won via a 12-round unanimous decision victory.
Crawford (27-0-0, 19 knockouts) is a rising boxing star in the super lightweight division. The 27-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska in the U.S. is considered a dangerous fighter for Pacquiao as he’s known for his knockout power on top of the squared ring. Crawford has won three of his last four fights via technical knockout out.
Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 knockouts) lost to Mayweather Jr. in the “Fight of the Century” last May in his last fight. The Filipino suffered a shoulder injury during the training camp of the fight against Mayweather Jr. but is reportedly on his way back to full recovery.
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