Pacquiao-Garcia not cast in stone

MANILA, Philippines — American Ryan Garcia has joined the other candidates wanting to fight Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao this year.

The 22-year-old Garcia went as far as saying that he has sealed the deal with Pacquiao, who is 20 years older.

“A dream turned (into) reality,” said the WBC interim lightweight (135 pounds) champion and undefeated in 21 fights (18 knockouts).

For now, it remains just that – a dream.

“Nothing is final. No contract yet,” one of Pacquiao’s close associates told The STAR yesterday.

“Ryan wants the fight. Golden Boy (Garcia’s promoter) wants the fight. So, they’re hyping the fight,” said the source.

“But there’s nothing official. They all want Pacquiao. Lahat sila (Everybody). And you can’t blame them,” he added.

It’s been 555 days since Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division champion, last fought, beating Keith Thurman on July 20, 2019 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The global pandemic has pushed the reigning WBA welterweight (147 pounds) champion away from the ring, and closer to his desk and his duties at the Senate.

Pacquiao, with a record of 67-7-2, was to deliver a privilege speech yesterday at the Senate. But prior to that, he spoke briefly about Garcia.

“He’s young. I’ll be the professor and he’ll be the student,” said Pacquiao, who plans to fight twice this year – if possible.

The boxer who’s battling Father Time had hoped to face UFC superstar Conor McGregor in a showdown that could generate $100 million.

But McGregor failed to follow the script, and was knocked out by Dustin Poirier last Sunday in Abu Dhabi.

The loss put the lucrative fight with Pacquiao in jeopardy.

“But we don’t know what might happen. The senator watched the (UFC) fight, and thought he (McGregor) was over-confident.”

Instead, Pacquiao may be looking to face Garcia or the others to make as much as $20 million.

There are other candidates like fellow welterweight champions Errol Spence (WBC and IBF) and Terence Crawford (WBO). There’s Danny Garcia. Thurman is begging for a rematch, too.

They all want to fight Pacquiao.

Period.