Is it a high-voltage rematch for which fans have waited for many years? Is it a quest to prove himself against a younger fighter? Or is it a new, uncharted territory that he wants to tick off his career resume? The options are plenty, but time is short. Who will welcome Manny Pacquiao when he marks his return to the square circle?

‘PacMan’ has expressed his desire to don the boxing gloves again, which he hung up in 2021 after losing to Yordenis Ugás. The former eight-division champion, who always came for fireworks, is ready to turn the clock back. But who will face the brunt of his heavy punches? It might finally be time to give fans what he teased towards the end of last year: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather: running it back once again

It has almost been 9 years, but the buzz and fascination surrounding a rematch are still high. When the Filipino fighter exchanged punches with Floyd Mayweather Jr., it rained money. Both left with deep pockets, and the PPV racked up almost $600 million in revenue. While you might set realistic expectations of what they can pull now, the fight might still rack up millions.

Despite ‘TBE’ and Pacquiao being at 47 and 45, respectively, both have maintained peak physical fitness. Fans would flock to the stadium to witness the two modern greats again. It’s not always you see such a showdown. Besides the feeling of nostalgia, the flair of two greats going against each other in super fights is rare in modern boxing, and it’s an ingredient to put on a splendid event.

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However, there are lingering questions about the broadcast and streaming, and who would put enough money on the table to compel both to set a date. The other concern is whether both have what it takes to put on a competitive fight. And in case both cannot replicate their spectacle of 2015, Pacquiao can turn to a younger British fighter, Conor Benn.

Conor Benn: A lopsided match with not so much fanfare

When Pacquiao graced his presence in Riyadh during Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou, he also sat down with Eddie Hearn to negotiate a fight. The British promoter has since long confirmed that he is tuning up the terms for a fight between Pacquiao and Benn in Saudi Arabia or at Wembley next.

The 5’5″ southpaw sees the opportunity as exciting and wants to put on a “good fight and entertain the fans.” He wanted to close the deal before he headed back home, and there are no reports of whether the two camps agreed to the terms. But the news has only evoked negative reactions from the fans.

Manny Pacquiao Gets Called Out by Ex-UFC Champ With a Subtle Jibe – “You Acting Like Floyd [Mayweather] and KSI”

The fans are dismayed over the talk of a lopsided match between Pacquiao and 27-year-old Benn. Similar emotions plague Mike Tyson and Jake Paul’s fight, and you can expect backlash when the fight gets announced if it gets finalized. Moreover, ‘The Destroyer’ is not holding sway over fans since his knockout returns have dwindled. So, neither the fans are excited nor the hype or buzz factor is kicking in. Meanwhile, Pacquiao got a callout from the MMA world, Tyron Woodley, and it’s not the first time the MMA world has come calling for him.

Venturing into the MMA world: Tyron Woodley or an unexpected wild pick

Woodley, the former UFC champion, vented out his frustration on social media as he disclosed that his team and Pacquiao are still going back and forth over a fight. Woodley has fought two pro boxing fights and dropped both to Jake Paul. His 0-6 record in the last six fights suggests his misery, but he is still a famed fighter who can ensure Pacquiao a hefty paycheck.

Conor McGregor also has issued a challenge to Pacquiao, and that’s a mouthwatering fight. He is one of the biggest stars in combat sports and might be his safest bet on this list, as well as the most exciting one for the fans. ‘The Notorious’ is rearing to go, but his issues with the UFC haven’t allowed him the opportunity to return to the Octagon. So, if Pacquiao’s team can insert themselves into the conversation, it might be the fight that steals the show this year.

What do you make of the return of Manny Pacquiao to the boxing ring? Who do you believe he should fight next? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch: Manny Pacquiao Trains Ahead of Potential Conor Benn Fight; Eddie Hearn Provides Recent Updates