Pacquiao on challenging newly crowned champ Ryan Garcia: ‘Why not?’

Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao (left) poses with American boxer Ryan Garcia following Pacquiao’s official weigh-in at a hotel in Tokyo on July 27, 2024 ahead of his July 28 three-round exhibition boxing match against Japanese mixed martial artist Rukiya Anpo.

Yuichi Yamazaki / AFP

MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao admitted catching a glimpse of last weekend’s title fight between Ryan Garcia and now former World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

Just last year, Pacquiao himself challenged Barrios for the same crown in the boxing icon’s return from a four-year hiatus.

But the Filipino southpaw fell short in that match held July last year in Las Vegas, as he and Barrios fought to a draw.

On Sunday, February 22, Garcia accomplished what Pacquiao failed to do, battering Barrios over 12 lopsided rounds to become the new WBC 147-pound titlist.

After gracing the ceremonial signing of a partnership between his Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and SportsPlus on Monday at Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong, Pacquiao was asked by Philstar.com if he tuned in to the Barrios-Garcia bout.

“Yes, but just portions of it,” Pacquiao told Philstar.com.

Garcia’s masterclass included a first-round knockdown of Barrios that set the tone for the popular but controversial American’s dominant victory.

At 47, Pacquiao had been aiming to win another world title, and Garcia — who had been vocal in his desire to fight the Filipino icon — might have again just made himself noticeable in Pacquiao’s radar.

“Pwede. Bakit naman hindi? (It’s possible. Why not?),” said Pacquiao, stressing he has no problems challenging Garcia.

It was announced last week that Pacquiao will be taking on his former sparring partner and ex-world champion Ruslan Providnikov in an exhibition fight penciled for April in Las Vegas.

A few days later, Floyd Mayweather Jr. — whose megabuck showdown with Pacquiao in 2015 ended up as the richest boxing match ever — announced that he’s also coming out of retirement to fight Mike Tyson, in a showcase bout as well.

Pacquiao welcomed Mayweather’s comeback announcement.

“Good for us,” he added.

Various reports have indicated that the two superstars are inevitably headed for a rematch this year.

“Abangan niyo ang mga announcement pa (Just wait for further announcements),” said Pacquiao.