Lomachenko won’t fight 'non-active' Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – There will be no potential “passing of the torch” between Manny Pacquiao and Vasyl Lomachenko.

This after Lomachenko’s manager said their camp has no interest in a showdown with Pacquiao, citing the Filipino icon’s inactivity.

Responding to fan questions on Twitter Thursday, Egis Klimas, who handles the Ukrainian star, said they won’t be lured by the chance to beat a “legend” like Pacquiao.

The fan pointed out that Pacquiao is already ripe for the taking, and if Lomachenko doesn’t fight him, another rising star — such as the undefeated Terence Crawford — will get the opportunity to take the “torch” from Pacquiao.

But Klimas believes Pacquiao is no longer relevant in boxing.

He has no torch https://t.co/MuqXKfIxQw

— Egis Klimas (@KlimasBoxing) January 18, 2018

Manny is Legendary and very respectful fighter but he is nonactive, he is done and Loma won’t take advantage of it just beating a Legend to get him name. We have better route fighting active champions in our weight class. Stay tune you will see and say WOW https://t.co/gR3Twrkfmx

— Egis Klimas (@KlimasBoxing) January 18, 2018

Pacquiao made headlines Wednesday when he said he is eyeing Lomachenko, the reigning WBO super featherweight champion and who is considered one of the best fighters in the world, as his next opponent.

“There are negotiations now about the number one pound-for-pound (boxer) which is Lomachenko,” Pacquiao said in an interview on ABS-CBN television.

But shortly after, Klimas denied there are talks between their camps.

“No, it’s not truth,” Klimas said in a report by RT Sport.

Pacquiao (59-7-2, with 38 KOs) hasn’t fought since losing the WBO welterweight title to Australian Jeff Horn last year. He is reportedly planning to return to the ring this April.

For his part, Lomachenko (10-1, with 8 KOs) is coming off a one-sided TKO victory over Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux in December last year to defend the WBO super featherweight belt.