MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao’s longtime promoter is ready to move on with plans for its latest champion, Jeff Horn, in case the Filipino icon calls it quits.
While the company is expecting a rematch between Pacquiao and Horn, it is also willing to pit the Australian against another star in its stable – the undefeated Terence Crawford.
In an interview with On The Ropes Boxing Radio, Top Rank Vice President Carl Moretti said they are eagerly awaiting word from Pacquiao.
"Well, I don’t know right now [what will happen with Jeff Horn]. You got the rematch being discussed between Jeff Horn and Manny Pacquiao, so depending on what happens with that decision, it could impact Crawford in some ways or it could not,” said Moretti.
There has been no word from Pacquiao’s camp regarding his next plans, other than the fighting senator previously stating he wants the chance to get back at Horn.
For his part, Horn, who shocked the world when he defeated Pacquiao last month in Brisbane, Australia, is eager to defend the WBO welterweight championship.
The 29-year-old Australian is likewise looking at a rematch with Pacquiao, but if that doesn’t materialize, he is ready to move on.
The other day on social media, Horn called out IBF champion Errol Spence for a unification bout, stressing he only wants big fights from now on.
But Top Rank is more inclined to match Horn with Crawford, the unbeaten WBC and WBO super lightweight champion who was once also considered for Pacquiao.
“If Manny decides to retire, then Jeff Horn could look at a fight with Terence Crawford if that made sense for everybody,” Moretti added.
But first, Crawford has to get past Julius Indongo on August 19, then Pacquiao has to announce he is leaving the sport – which is unlikely for now, as the Filipino icon had said he will continue fighting “until the passion is gone.”
For now, Top Rank is on a wait-and-see mode.
“But like anything else, it’s tough to predict now what’s going to be the case four months from now. You just have to play it out on every angle," said Moretti.