Roach okays Crawford for Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – Freddie Roach has approved of the unbeaten Terence Crawford to be Manny Pacquiao’s comeback opponent.

Speaking recently to TV Azteca, Roach said he already notified Top Rank chief Bob Arum about his willingness to pit Pacquiao against the dangerous Crawford.

“I spoke to Bob Arum and he asked if I would be willing to have Pacquiao fight Terrence Crawford. And I said yes, but the final decision is up to Manny,” the multi-titled trainer said.

Crawford, the undefeated WBO super lightweight champion, lingers as an option for Pacquiao, who plans to fight one more time in April next year before retiring to focus on his political career.

Timothy Bradley, a two-time Pacquiao opponent, is also a possible foe after strengthening his case with an impressive technical knockout win over Brandon Rios – another previous Pacquiao foe – about a week ago.

Roach, for his part, also isn’t ruling out a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr., who outpointed Pacquiao in boxing’s richest fight ever last May.

“The next opponent may be Terence Crawford, but it could also be a rematch against Mayweather, if he comes out of retirement, which I think will happen and I think he will return to the ring,” Roach added.

“I'm sure Manny would make a better fight than what [he was able to do] in the first fight,” he continued.

But now, it seems Crawford has the inside track.