MACAU – Now that he’s back in the winner’s circle, Manny Pacquiao declared his readiness to fight anyone, anytime, anywhere.
“It’s still my time. My journey continues,†said Pacquiao after beating up a Mexican punching bag yesterday before a packed Cotai Arena here.
“I said we will rise again and that’s what happened,†he added.
Brandon Rios proved no match against Pacquiao’s quickness both with his hands and his feet. It was a one-sided contest although the only time Rios hit the deck was because of a slip in the opening round.
The Filipino crowd chanted Pacquiao’s name each time he landed heavy blows. They were calling for a knockout but it never came.
Yet, as the final seconds ticked away, and Rios had blood dripping from his left eye, the cheers got louder and louder.
The outcome of the fight was indisputable.
And at the post-fight press conference, Pacquiao was asked if he still wants to do the super fight with Mayweather.
“My job is to fight so it’s up to my promoter. Anybody who will fight me, I will fight. I’m willing to fight Mayweather,†he said.
“So, it’s up to him if he’s willing also,†said Pacquiao, who came close to doing the Mayweather fight last year until money issues came along.
First it was the drug-testing procedures that they couldn’t agree on, and when Pacquiao said he’d do it, Mayweather started asking for a bigger slice of the pie.
Pacquiao said it’s up to Mayweather how much he really wants or how much he’s willing to give.
“That question is for the Mayweather camp,†said Pacquiao.
Freddie Roach has a few fighters in his mind, too, and it definitely includes Juan Manuel Marquez, Timothy Bradley and Mayweather.
They’re the big three for Pacquiao as far as his next fight is concerned.
Roach said he wants Pacquiao back in the ring early next year after taking an 11-month leave from boxing.
“I would like to see him (back) early next year. The sooner the better,†said Roach.
“Personally I want Marquez. But I don’t think we can make it if he’s asking for a lot of money,†he said of the Mexican who dealt Pacquiao a big knockout loss last December.
Pacquiao is back on his feet.
“I think Bradley is someone we want to avenge even if Pacquiao won. And obviously we want Mayweather,†said Roach.
Nothing is concrete at the moment. No sure opponent for Pacquiao.
In just days or weeks maybe they’ll find the name.
Let Pacquiao savor his magnificent comeback.