Ex-NBA star Metta World Peace sees more fights for Pacquiao

LOS ANGELES – Contrary to the opinion of many boxing observers and fans, former NBA star Metta World Peace believes Manny Pacquiao is far from done.

Formerly known as Ron Artest, World Peace was a guest at Pacquiao’s posh Los Angeles home Sunday night (Tuesday afternoon Manila time) to wish the Filipino icon luck in his fight with Adrien Broner on Sunday (Sunday in Manila). He came in with son Jeron.

Artest knows that the Broner bout won’t be Pacquiao’s last.

“As long as Manny would continue to move his feet and doesn't take too much punishment, he can fight for at least four more times,” said Artest, who was known for his physical style of play and controversially volatile temper.

“I mean Bernard Hopkins, (he was still fighting when) he was 49 you know,” he added, referring to the middleweight great who actually fought until 51.

Pacquiao, 40, is entering his 70th professional fight, against a boxer 11 years his junior. But he is favored over Broner, and with a convincing win, he will again be motivated to further his career.

World Peace said Pacquiao will never run out of options. Floyd Mayweather should top the list.

“Conor McGregor is (also) out there,” said World Peace, who last suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers. 

All Pacquiao has to do is get past Broner.

“I think it' gonna be a good fight. I think Manny is deserving of what he is getting,” World Peace said.