Manny Pacquiao names Errol Spence, Mikey Garcia as top 2 potential opponents for ‘second or third week of July’ return

Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao’s much-awaited return to the ring this year is slowly taking shape. After his team narrowed down the timeline, the boxer himself named two of his most likely opponents: Errol Spence Jr. and Mikey Garcia.

Manny Pacquiao next opponents could either be Errol Spence Jr. or Mikey Garcia

Hearing these two names is not entirely surprising. For months, people close to Pacquiao have been including Spence and Garcia in the most likely opponents listed for Pac-Man’s first fight in 2020. In a previous interview with the Philippine TV network ANC, Pacquiao was asked about his top choices as his next opponents the athlete-politician immediately responded with the names of Spence and Garcia.

Pacquiao has also shared his early assessment of the two fighters and, with that, the areas he needs to focus on ahead of his next fight. “My assessment is Spence is the kind of boxer who can move, a slugger,” the Philippine Senator explained. “If we are going to fight, I need more focus on strategy, hand speed, and footwork.” As for Garcia, Pacquiao said the 32-year-old boxer is a “brawler” and “aggressive” on the ring equipped with “different techniques” that he has to consider in his upcoming training.

Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring in July

After months of uncertainty among his fans, Pacquiao has also confirmed he is targeting to return to the ring in July, more specifically in the second or third week of the month. It can be recalled that his team previously mentioned eyeing an earlier bout that was supposedly taking place in March or April.

With his next bout now more likely happening in July, Pacquiao eyes to begin his training “at least” in April to give him his usual prep time. While these pronouncements have come from Pacquiao himself, fans should note that there is still no report on any detail of his next fight being set in stone.

The July timeline has already been mentioned by him and his managers along with the possible venue somewhere in Saudi Arabia, but, as mentioned, nothing is finalized at this point, including the name of his next opponent. But with his training supposedly starting in April or May, fans might be hearing the official details via a press conference soon.