Just minutes after the announcement that the 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao is not really retiring and will again climb the canvas on November 5 against Jessie Vargas, the Filipino fighter immediately became the heavy favorite to win the match.
The only issue that remained for the fight to have a final green light is where to hold the match. It was learned that Team Pacquiao is set for a meeting on Wednesday next week to chose between Los Angeles or Dubai as the fight venue.
Pacquiao's return
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To recall, the 37-year old Pacquiao shortly announced that he is leaving the prizefighter's life after beating Timothy Bradley in April. Then, his promoter Bob Arum made a statement just two months after that Manny is not really leaving boxing but will again fight within the year. The Pacquiao – Vargas match is the confirmation of Arum's confidence that Manny will not hang his gloves any time soon.
Pacquiao will climb the ring sporting 58 wins in 66 fights, 6 losses and 2 draws. His only loss in three years was a unanimous decision against Floyd Mayweather in May 2015.
Vargas, on the other hand is the current WBO welterweight champion, a belt he took after Bradley vacated the title to face Pacquiao. He is 10 years younger than the Filipino slugger and boasts a record of 27 wins in 28 fights, only one defeat.
Come November, Manny will find no trouble slugging it out with Vargas since the American's style is to anchor in the ring and trade blows so predictions about the fight are saying that it would not go the distance and can probably be over by the 6th or 8th rounds. Pacquiao is regarded as a heavy puncher with quick combinations but has the tendency to grow impatient and problematic with tactical fighters like Mayweather.
Other potential opponents
Meanwhile, another name that surfaced earlier is the current WBC and WBO Super Lightweight champion Terence Crawford. Although Pacquiao's adviser Michael Koncz admitted that his "running" style doesn't suit Manny, who loves to trade blows.
Other names like Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman or even a rematch with Miguel Cotto seems to be more viable opponents for Pacquiao "business-wise" since they are more notable fighters and can provide good pay-per-view buys. These fighters, however, are not with the same stable as Pacquiao so lengthy negotiations might derail the November schedule.
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