Crawford or Horn? Pacquiao says, ‘No way’

MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao has declared his availability to return to the ring in May or July this year, and has ruled out a potentially lucrative fight with Terence Crawford or a rematch with Jeff Horn.

“Malabo ’yan (I doubt it),” Pacquiao told reporters regarding the possibility of facing Crawford, 31, the unbeaten WBO welterweight champion.

Crawford, 34-0 with 25 knockouts, is under Bob Arum’s Top Rank, which used to promote Pacquiao fights. The Filipino superstar is now with Al Haymon’s PBC (Premier Boxing Champions) and has in fact teamed up with Mayweather Promotions.

It’s common knowledge that Floyd Mayweather Jr. wouldn’t do business with Arum, his former promoter. Haymon is Mayweather’s adviser.

Pacquiao said a rematch with Horn, the former schoolteacher from Brisbane, is not going to happen.

Period.

“They’ve fooled me once,” Pacquiao, the WBA (regular) welterweight champion, told a small group of writers at his Senate office Wednesday evening.

With Crawford and Horn out of the picture, left in the race as Pacquiao’s next opponent are Keith Thurman, the WBA (super) welterweight champion, Shawn Porter (the WBC champion at 147 pounds), and Errol Spence Jr. (the IBC champion).

Anyone among the three would be big fight for the 40-year-old Pacquiao, who said he has informed the PBC of his availability in May or July.

The Senate will go on recess next week and would resume session on May 20. Another long break would take place in June.

“I can use the whole month of June to train if I will fight in July. But May (fight) is also fine with me,” he said.

Pacquiao said he called for a rematch with Horn after his very controversial defeat to the Australian bully in 2017. But he was turned down.

“Unsettled business?” Pacquiao asked.

“Rematch ako nang rematch sa kanya hindi siya nag rematch? Nag-iiwas sila sa akin tapos lumaban sila sa America. (I wanted a rematch then and they refused. Then he fought in the United States),” said Pacquiao of Horn.

Instead of a rematch with Pacquiao, Horn took on Crawford in June 2018, and was knocked out inside nine rounds at the MGM Grand. Horn lost his WBO welterweight crown.

After Pacquiao dominated Adrien Broner to retain his WBA crown in Las Vegas last Jan. 19, Horn challenged the Filipino to a rematch.

“Nung nanalo ako ng belt tapos natalo siya, naghamon ulit? (After I won the title and he lost his he would challenge me? Hahamon-hamon sila?” said Pacquiao.