With Bob Arum Gunning for Manny Pacquiao’s Return, Excited Josh Taylor Contemplates Sharing the Ring With His “Hero”

Manny Pacquiao remains poised to make a comeback in boxing. Options for this comeback? Plenty. In recent developments, his former promoter Bob Arum has voiced his wishes to see Pacquiao go against Scottish fighter, Josh Taylor. While no confirmation has yet emerged, Taylor, however, has now responded to the possibility.

A while back, the Filipino fighter had expressed his desire to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics Tournament. However, that effort was for naught. While it was sort of unusual for the 44-year-old fighter to try for the Olympics, another avenue for his comeback has opened up. His former sparring partner, Amir Khan had also shown an interest in a fight against ‘Pacman’. While the fight would mark both their returns to the sport, Arum however has pushed for a fight against Josh Taylor.

Manny Pacquiao Fight: A Dream for Josh Taylor

In a conversation with iFLTV, 32-year-old Taylor said that his being in the presence of Pacquaio itself would be a dream come true. He stated that Pacquiao still remains his hero. Taylor said, “Watched all his fights, and I just loved him, man. As a fighter, he was my hero. So to even just stand in the same room as the man would be a dream come true. To stand and to even speak to the man, and shake the guy’s hand, so it would be amazing.”

However, he further clarified that he has not yet received any offers to fight the eight-division champion. But if the offer does come, he’d not hesitate to take it. He noted, “I thought, alright, that’s a bit random. But obviously, if that came around, I’ll jump at the chance of it to share a ring with my idol, my hero. Just to even be in the ring with the man. I would even think to throw a punch at him, I’d just be standing there.” 

The fighter was last seen in the ring against Teofimo Lopez at 140 in June this year. He lost his WBO super lightweight belt via a unanimous decision that night. For Taylor, the Pacquiao fight would be a total game-changer, given the boost it will give his career. But for Pacquiao, as per Arum, it’s a different reason.

Why is Pacman making a comeback now?

Arum suggested that he would like to see Taylor go against Pacquiao. He elaborated that while the Filipino fame has enough money, he would take the fight purely for the sake of his love for the sport. “He loves to spend money and he spent a lot on his presidential campaign. Pacquiao is a very rich guy, but Manny wants to continue his career for at least another year or two. Money is the reason why everybody comes back,” revealed Bob Arum.

Also Read: “There Will Be Blood”: Manny Pacquiao’s Past Actions Inspires George Kambosos Jr. To Declare “War” Against Vasyl Lomachenko

The latter last headlined his pro-fight in 2021 against Yordenis Ugas, a fight that he lost through a unanimous decision. Post that he also undertook an exhibition fight against DK Yoo (2022) which he won. Now, with increasing calls for his re-entry into the ring, 2024 must be interesting for Manny Pacquiao.

Do you think the Josh Taylor fight is ideal for Pacquiao? Let us know in the comments section below.

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