Pacquiao sees ring return in 2020

Manny Pacquiao isn’t about to hang up his gloves anytime soon.

The Filipino ring icon said he’s looking to return to the ring next year, shortly after his masterful decision victory over Keith Thurman in Las Vegas on Sunday.

In a post-fight interview, Pacquiao said he figures a ring return next year would fit best with his schedule, with his work as a senator taking priority for the rest of 2019.

He also indicated a desire to attend the upcoming welterweight title fight between the division’s stars Errol Spence Jr. and Shawn Porter in September.

Pacquiao, who will turn 41 in December, dazzled fight fans in his performance against Thurman, displaying his trademark handspeed while showcasing his maturity as a ring general. He sent the previously unbeaten American to the ground in the first round, and kept Thurman’s offense at bay the rest of the fight with timely counters.

Thurman, for his part, said he’d welcome another shot at Pacquiao.

“I would love a rematch,” he said. “Tonight is a blessing and a lesson.”

—JST, GMA News