Manny Pacquiao could find himself sharing the ring with Lewis Crocker, if a bout with Rolly Romero collapses.
Pacquiao made his return to the ring in July, to challenge Mario Barrios for his WBC welterweight world title.
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Pacquiao is gearing up to announce his next opponentCredit: Getty
The bout was ruled as a majority decision draw, but many thought that he’d done enough to edge a win.
After returning from a four-year hiatus to fight Barrios, ‘Pac Man’ confirmed that he would be continuing his comeback on January 24.
As attention turned to who the 46-year-old would be facing off with next, the rumour mill began to churn out names.
It was declared that the front runner for his next match-up was Rolly Romero, with talks already underway.
But Romero has since been ordered to defend his WBA welterweight title against Shakhram Giyasov, plunging the fight into doubt.
Crocker’s manager, Jamie Conlan, now sees this as the perfect opportunity for Crocker, who would be open to defending his IBF world title against the boxing legend.
Conlan told BBC Sport NI: “I reached out to Sean Gibbons of Manny Pacquiao‘s team last night [Tuesday].
“They are trying to do ‘Rolly’ Romero but if that can’t be done, then we are going to have communication.
“Romero and the WBA Manny Pacquiao offered alternative world title fight as bout with ‘front runner’ in limbo is their first port of call, but he is strong on the idea if something can be done, it can definitely be looked at.
“What a rise it would be to fight Manny Pacquiao.”
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Crocker could well be a perfect option for Pacquiao, if he wants to become the oldest welterweight world championCredit: Getty
Crocker has amassed a perfect 22-0 record since he turned pro in 2017.
The 28-year-old is coming off the back of a split decision win against Paddy Donovan in September, which saw him claim the IBF welterweight world title.
Are we likely to see Manny Pacquiao fighting Crocker?
While Romero seems to be Pacquiao’s first choice, ‘The Croc’ is ready and waiting should his chance come to fight the Hall of Famer.
If a bout with Romero is off the cards, challenging for the IBF title could be a logical move for the Filipino.
He is certainly keen to continue challenging for world titles, as ‘Pac Man’ looks to break his own record as the oldest welterweight champion.
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Pacquiao is looking to return to winning ways in 2026Credit: Getty
He set the record in 2019, when he defeated Keith Thurman at the age of 40.
And the legend is hoping to extend it during his next appearance, aged 47.