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Paddy Donovan is the latest fighter to suggest that he could be next for Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao was originally linked to a fight with Shakur Stevenson before many more names joined the mix.
With ‘PacMan’ lined up to return on December 11 in Cardiff, Wales, Joe Cordina accepting a bout with Pacquiao would make sense as the leading option right now.
However, the Filipino legend certainly isn’t short on options, with another name now claiming that he’s been in talks about a showdown with the 47-year-old.
It won’t be difficult for Manny Pacquiao to attract big names if he’s going to fight later this year on Netflix at the Principality Stadium.
That being said, ‘PacMan’ hasn’t got his hand raised inside the ring since his split decision win over Keith Thurman in 2019.
This has led the likes of The Ring’s Mike Coppinger to say that a clash with Paddy Donovan might make more sense for the Filipino legend at this stage.
Ireland’s Donovan, a former IBF welterweight title challenger, has put together back-to-back wins this year since his consecutive bouts with Lewis Crocker.
The 27-year-old recently said when being asked what’s next for him that there have been talks with Pacquiao’s team about having them face off on December 11.
“Manny Pacquiao is looking for an active opponent. My manager, Keith Sullivan, has reached out to his team,” Donovan said on Total Boxing with Tris Dixon. “They’ve been in talks about making the fight happen. Look, it’s a long shot. It’d be great. Manny Pacquiao’s a phenomenal fighter, a legend of the sport, and it’d be a dream come true to fight Manny.”
It was brought up in the interview that Paddy Donovan is likely competing with several other options to get the Manny Pacquiao fight.
Joe Cordina was specifically brought up, with the possibility of him fighting a legend of the sport in his home country of Wales being an attractive option.
“Yeah, it’s great. But look, I think an Irishman, Paddy Donovan, on the verge of fighting for the world title. Manny Pacquiao probably needing a win to get back in the mix with the world champions. I think it sounds like a great fight,” Donovan replied.
“Whatever he [Pacquiao] decides, I just want to let him know that I’m free and I’m available and I’d give him a good fight,” he added.