MANILA, Philippines – Maliban kay British star Amir Khan, maaari ring ikunsidera ni Bob Arum ng Top Rank Promotions si Terence Crawford para labanan si Manny Pacquiao sa susunod na taon.
Ngunit bago mangyari ang potensyal na pagsagupa kay Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KOs) ay kailangan munang talunin ni Crawford (26-0-0, 18 KOs) si challenger Dierry Jean (29-1-0, 20 KOs) ngayon sa CenturyLink Center sa Omaha, Nebraska.
“There are some people in the company (Top Rank) who feel Manny would be a big favorite to beat him,” sabi ni Arum sa 28-anyos na si Crawford.
“But, in any event, there’s no downside for Crawford because he’s going to get enormous publicity. He won’t disgrace himself even if he lost and he will make a lot of money,” dagdag pa ng promoter.
Idedepensa ni Crawford ang kanyang suot na World Boxing Organization super lightweight crown laban kay Jean na dating naka-sparring ni Pacquiao.
“Who cares if Jean sparred with Manny Pacquiao? That’s sparring,” sabi ni Crawford sa tubong Haiti na si Jean. “I’ve seen him. He’s a good, well-rounded fighter. He will come to fight. He has a big right hand. We’re ready for whatever he brings.”
Sakaling manalo kay Jean ay handa si Crawford na sagupain ang Filipino world eight-division champion sa 2016.
“I’m ready for Manny. I’m ready for whatever lies in my future,” sabi ni Crawford kay ‘Pacman’.
“That will be a big fight. It’s a fight we want, a fight we look forward to take my career to the next level and becoming a pay-per-view attraction. That’s the fight we need right now. I think I just need to win Saturday, just fight my fight,” dagdag pa ng American champion.
Ang kampo ni Khan (31-3-0, 19 KOs) ang kasalukuyang kinakausap ni Arum para labanan si Pacquiao, habang nasa listahan pa rin si Kell Brook (35-0-0, 24 KOs).
Ang dating Olynpian na si Khan ay naging sparmate ni Pacquiao sa ilalim ni chief trainer Freddie Roach.