The potential of Manny Pacquiao gaining a remaining shot on the welterweight championship has thrown up a battle within the boxing legend’s camp.
Marvin Somodio, a long-time pal, compatriot, and coach of the Filipino celebrity, has a vested curiosity in present WBA champion Eimantas Stanionis. As WBN broke the information first, Stanionis is certainly one of two potential opponents for Pacquiao in a possible comeback for the 147-pound title. The opposite is Mario Barrios for the WBC model, which WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has already confirmed to WBN that he’ll think about if Pacquiao makes an official request.
If the “Pac-Man” goes down the WBA route, Somodio would have an issue as he additionally trains Stanionis.
Requested about Pacquiao’s bid to struggle another time for a acknowledged belt to interrupt his personal report of being the oldest welterweight champion in historical past by 5 complete years, Somodio completely instructed World Boxing Information: “I didn’t find out about it, but when Sean Gibbons mentioned that then he’s engaged on it.
“It’s an excellent alternative for both Stanionis or Barrios if that’s going to occur. If Pacquiao vs Stanionis goes to occur it is going to be a very good drawback.
“I would like Stanionis to have the largest struggle of his profession as he’s my first world champion, and he’s very near me. Then again, Manny Pacquiao is the explanation why I made it to the US he gave me the chance of a lifetime. So if that struggle goes to occur, I’m not going to be concerned,” the previous boxer confirmed.
Pacquiao going through both Stanionis or Barrios can be a large occasion, almost certainly in Las Vegas in direction of the tip of the summer season or through the fall. It could be the swansong the eight-weight world titleholder deserves following the unwarranted ending the primary time round.
The 45-year-old was as a consequence of contest the unified welterweight title in opposition to Errol Spence Jr. Had Pacquiao received, he’d have walked away a three-belt titleholder for the primary time in his profession. Spence pulled out injured because it transpired, and Yordenis Ugas changed him. The Cuban then pulled off a shock and took Pacquiao’s WBA championship.
Since then, discuss of a return to the professional ranks has been a everlasting fixture on Pacquiao’s lips with out really coming to fruition. This time round, there’s a sense the struggle may occur, supplied Pacquiao places in his request to the WBC or the WBA quickly.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Be taught extra in regards to the writer, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Comply with on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
