Manny Pacquiao, the world-renowned boxer, now a senator in the Philippines, made his successful return in the boxing ring last Saturday night, outclassing former welterweight World Boxing Organization Champion (WBO) Jessie Vargas in a 12 round bout at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Manny Pacquiao versus Jessie Vargas' fight was also dubbed by many as the Legend vs. The Champion. As Jessie Vargas is motivated to beat the boxing legend and future Hall of Famer Pacquiao to get the honor that he feels entitled to have since he was the title holder leading into the fight night. However, as the smoke clears the 27-year-old Vargas fell short as Pacquiao showed that he still has a lot of fighting years left in him.
Jessie Vargas' updated fighting record is 27 wins, 2 loses and 10 knockouts. He is a decade younger than his opponent Manny Pacquiao. Vargas won the vacant WBO Welterweight title when he knocked out Sadam Ali last April. Pacquiao's current fighting record is 59 wins, 6 loses and 38 knock outs. The Filipino Senator won by unanimous decision as judges' scores the fight 114-113 and 118-109 twice in favor of Manny Pacquiao, thus, regaining his former title. The senator use to own the title before laying low from the sport to pursue his political career.
With the Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas fight in the books, the next question is, what is next for the Pacman? Better yet, who will be his next opponent? With this victory and him reclaiming the top seat in the welterweight ranks, Pacquiao has a long list of possible competitors. One of the top names that comes to mind is the undefeated Terence Crawford.
In a recent interview of Pacquiao's boxing promoter Bob Arum on ESPN's First Take. Following the aftermath of Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas, Arum believes that Manny's natural weight class is in the lightweight (140pounds) division. With that said, unbeaten fighter Terence Crawford (29-0) comes to mind as a possible opponent for the Pacman. If Pacquiao finalizes terms with Crawford, he may have to drop as low 135 pounds. But for now, It is yet to be confirmed.
Another potential opponent for Pacquiao after Vargas is the unbeaten fighter Errol Spence (21-0) which already holds a stoppage win against Manny's past opponent Chris Algeri. Another name that has been popping up is Floyd Mayweather. Mayweather was seen caught watching the fight Saurday night. It is still a speculation and a rumor but team Pacquiao is not dismissing that possibility of a possible rematch.
