KEY POINTS
- Ryan Garcia pleads for a chance to share the ring with Manny Pacquiao
- Garcia may not have good chances of getting a fight with the "Pac-Man"
- Pacquiao is yet to announce if he will fight again in 2021
Interim WBC lightweight champion Ryan Garcia is going for all the marbles although a showdown with Devin Haney for the full WBC title is looming.
But until that is officially announced, it is open season for the 22-year-old pug who made quite an impression when he defeated Luke Campbell back last Jan. 2.
Most have heard about his interest in facing WBA super featherweight and lightweight champion Gervonta Davis. However, it appears he has appended his list of potential next foes by adding Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
Garcia touched on the potential dream fight to face the sport's only eight-division champion when he spoke to US journalist Rich Eisen. He feels that it is his turn to get the opportunity, even singling out the 2008 fight between the "Pac-Man" and his current handler Oscar De La Hoya.
What's next for WBC interim lightweight champ @KingRyanG? And why does he want a piece of @MannyPacquiao?
The 22-year old didn't mince words:#boxing pic.twitter.com/8j9nZB7WVw
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow)
"It's my turn," Garcia said. "Maybe after Gervonta [Davis], hopefully... Can we share that ring together and please pass that torch to me?"
While it appeared he was calling out Pacquiao, he explained he was not. All he is looking for is a chance to share the ring with the future boxing Hall of Famer if the chance permits.
"Manny, I feel like, is the inspiration that makes you a legend... I mean, he came from dirt and [rose] all the way to a Senator in the Philippines. Legend, that's what you call a legend," he explained.
It would be something to watch although there is no promise that Pacquiao will oblige. The 42-year-old boxer has yet to return to the ring and is currently busy attending to his political duties in the Philippines.
Pacquiao did mention that he intends to fight a couple more in 2021. One of those fights is expected to be against UFC star Conor McGregor. Before that special showdown, names like Danny Garcia and Errol Spence Jr. have been mentioned.
Terence Crawford is also being suggested–clearly showing that “KingRy” may hold little chance of getting his wish of sharing the ring with Pacquiao fulfilled.
Garcia also needs to consider that Pacquiao has been linked to running for the Philippine presidency in the next national elections--yet another hint that 2021 could be the final year that the renowned southpaw would be fighting.
WBA welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao looks on during a news conference at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on January 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao will defend his title against Adrien Broner on January 19 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Photo: Getty Images/Ethan Miller
