Unfinished business next for Pacquiao
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 03 Jan 2017
TRAINER Freddie Roach calls it a tough, dangerous fight but, strictly speaking, the famous handler of Manny Pacquiao has directly tagged world light welterweight king Terence Crawford as one big unfinished business.
It?s no secret Team Pacquiao had avoided a confrontation with Crawford (30-0, 21 KOs), at least twice last year.
Roach has sworn that enough is enough.
**
?It?s one tough fight we have to say yes to,? Roach explained.
Why?
?We don?t wanna just be fighting nobodies, etc. to stay in the game.?
**
Brave, fighting words: There?s no denying the unbeaten Crawford is the best and toughest available foe for Pacquiao.
The pride of Omaha, Nebraska, top candidate for 2016 Fighter of the Year, heads the CompuBox categorical leaders list with 49 points, followed by Vasyl Lomachenco with 48.
Pacquiao is at 5th with 21 points, behind Roman Gonzales with 30. Andre Ward lords it over at third.
**
Crawford had openly challenged Pacquiao in 2016. Sen. Pacquiao however ended up fighting Timothy Bradley, a favorite whipping boy, before taking on Jessie Vargas and regaining his WBO welterweight crown last Novemberr.
Sad to say, those two relatively easy assignments hardly enhanced Pacquiao?s brand.
Crawford would go on to win all his three fights last year in sensational fashion.
**
Actually, Pacquiao and Roach would be pining indefinitely for a rematch with the securely retired Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Then, in a thrilling twist, Roach made a bold stand.
?We still want to be the best, ? he said.
Why?
?If you can?t be the best, you don?t need to be in this sport--because you?ll get hurt.?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
WEIGHTS FROM NIGHT OF KNOCKOUTS XXXVII AT MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL
Sat, 01 Nov 20253 Filipinos Reach Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Last 16, Biado Out
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Joshua Buatsi vs Zack Parker Headlines Manchester Show on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 01 Nov 2025NBA Referees will wear headsets during NBA games
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 01 Nov 2025PERO, THOMPSON READY FOR ORLANDO SHOWDOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 01 Nov 2025South Cotabato overall champ in Batang Pinoy boxing meet
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Bernardino to play in Malaysia and France chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Make way for the Philippines' oldest active chess player
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Canada High: Mikaela Mayer Wins Unified Super Welterweight Crown
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Great Virtues of Champions
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 31 Oct 2025‘HAPPY’ HEAVYWEIGHT THOMPSON READY FOR PERO WAR
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Lakers Sale Approved: Mark Walter Takes Majority Stake, Ending Buss Family Era
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 31 Oct 2025SBA Season 2 Kicks Off November 10
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 31 Oct 2025History made twice over
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 31 Oct 2025ORLANDO PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND VIDEO: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID BETWEEN LENIER PERO, JORDAN THOMPSON AND UNDERCARD
Fri, 31 Oct 2025