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Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring against Mario Barrios has already reignited excitement across the boxing world, but a statement from Sean Gibbons, the legendary fighter's longtime advisor, has catapulted speculation into overdrive.
Now 45, Pacquiao is stepping back into action for the WBC welterweight title, and the prospect of a clash with Gervonta "Tank" Davis adds massive intrigue to his comeback.
While the idea may sound far-fetched given the weight differences and generational gap, even Pacquiao has refused to rule it out entirely, leaving fans and analysts wondering if boxing's next megafight is closer than anyone imagined.
"When he beats Mario Barrios, line 'em up. His dream fight is Gervonta Davis," Gibbons declared, signaling that Pacquiao's journey might only just be getting started.
Robert Garcia explains why the fight makes sense
Trainer and former IBF super-featherweight champion Robert Garcia recently weighed in on the possibility during an interview with ESNEWS, firmly stating, "Manny is going to fight Tank after that."
According to Garcia, if the matchup does materialize, it would likely take place at a catchweight of 143-144 pounds.
Gibbons admitted just last week that Pacquiao has been angling for the Davis fight for some time now, yet the negotiations have consistently stalled.
The primary issue is Gervonta Davis' reluctance to agree to the proposed 145-lb weight. That makes the idea of Tank suddenly warming to the deal seem overly optimistic, even for boxing.
Nonetheless, Garcia remains convinced not only that the bout will happen but also that Davis would emerge victorious.
"Because it's a big f**king fight. It's a huge fight," he said, bluntly addressing the motivations behind the potential showdown.
The paydays, undoubtedly, would be astronomical for both fighters, especially considering Pacquiao's global fame and Davis' undefeated record.
But Davis is already facing WBA super featherweight champion Lamont Roach Jr., and a rumored showdown with YouTube megastar Jake Paul has been quietly gaining traction.
And with Paul's tendency to offer up eye-watering purses, Davis may find that bout financially more enticing than trading blows with a legend past his prime.