Pacman to face Garcia?

MANILA, Philippines — There is talk in Manny Pacquiao’s camp that if the former eight-division world boxing champion emerges unscathed in his Dec. 10 six-round exhibition with Korean martial arts expert DK Yoo, the next step is another exhibition, possibly in February at the MOA Arena with the ultimate goal a megabuck Cinco de Mayo duel against unbeaten Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao himself is mum on the plans as his only focus is getting ready for Yoo. But camp insiders are speculating that from the way Pacquiao is training, he’s headed for a major ring comeback with Garcia as the target. Pacquiao’s trainer and close friend Buboy Fernandez is conjuring visions of a showdown at a catchweight of 142 pounds. After the Yoo engagement, Fernandez said there may be another exhibition to test Pacquiao’s preparedness for a real return. Since Pacquiao hasn’t fought locally since outpointing Mexican Oscar Larios at the Araneta Coliseum in 2006, he might consider an exhibition at the MOA Arena in February.

Jonathan Peñalosa, who helps out with Pacquiao’s training in General Santos City, said it doesn’t seem like he’s 43 in the gym. Pacquiao is taking no shortcuts in preparing for Yoo and if he puts on an impressive performance in Seoul, it might lead to more ring appearances. Fernandez said if Garcia is serious in facing Pacquiao, the fight could happen. “It’s an honor to share the ring with Pacquiao,” said Garcia who’s 24. “I will always respect what he did in and out of the ring. A dream turned reality. Here’s to the best man winning.” Garcia’s record is 23-0, with 19 KOs. He’s 5-10 with a 70-inch reach. Filipino Romero Duno was a Garcia victim who was stopped in a single round in 2019. When Pacquiao turned pro in 1995, Garcia was only two years old.

Garcia scaled 140 pounds, the superlightweight limit, for his most recent fight, a knockout win over Javier Fortuna, in Los Angeles last July. A catchweight will be negotiated to arrange a bout between Garcia and Pacquiao with 142 mentioned as a compromise. Pacquiao shouldn’t find it difficult to go down to 142.