Manny Pacquiao vs. Shawn Porter? It could happen

Shawn Porter wants to fight Manny Pacquiao. Makes sense. He also claims the fans want to see it. Makes no sense.

Don’t get me wrong. The fight would be a bruiser. Shawn Porter is one tough hombre. He took IBF and WBC champ, Errol Spence Jr., to hell and back last month. But it’s really difficult to look good against Porter.

You can bet that Pacquiao knows this. Porter is awkward, and probably more determined than anyone Pacquiao has faced, except perhaps, Jeff Horn.

I’m sure Pacquiao hasn’t forgotten about the physical, but limited Horn, although he’d like to. Probably gives him nightmares. Pacquiao, a heavy favorite, traveled to Australia to fight Horn two years ago.

The fight was a grueling affair, especially for a part-time fighter, and Senator. Horn was awarded the decision, even though Pacquiao knocked him from pillar to post in round nine.

Pacquiao,38, at the time, looked ragged and tired in the later rounds. His body language suggested, at least to me, that he wished he was back home in the Philippines, working to help the poor.

That’s why his victory over the much younger Keith Thurman a few months ago was nothing short of phenomenal. Pacquiao (62-7-3, 40 KOs) beat two difficult opponents that night in Sin City--Thurman, ten years younger, and “Father Time.”

His 25-year career has been incredible, with victories against Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, and now, Keith Thurman.

Porter recently told Elie Seckback of EsNews that a fight with Pacquiao could happen.

“Me and Pac is realistic,” said Porter.

Porter is confident he can defeat Pacquiao.

“You know, I just think I know what it takes to beat Manny,” Porter said. “I think we saw a small glimpse to that when JuanMa (Marquez) knocked him out. I think I kind of have that recipe already, so I think I know what to do."

Porter (30-3, 17 KOs) was talking rematch with Spence until the latter was involved in a horrific automobile accident. Thankfully, Spence is recovering, but when he returns to the ring, is unknown at this writing.

It’s interesting to note that Porter, and Pacquiao trainer, Freddie Roach, seem to have Danny Garcia on their minds. Roach recently said that he could see Pacquiao facing Garcia early next year.

Porter, who defeated Garcia by unanimous decision last year, wouldn’t mind fighting Garcia again.

So Danny Garcia is a popular guy. The top welterweights want to fight Pacquiao because, hey, let’s be honest, he’ll likely generate the most money.

In the end it will be up to Pacquiao.

He’s earned the right to call the shots.