Former champion calls for return fight against Manny Pacquiao: ‘Look what happens’

Last July, Manny Pacquiao made a sensational return to professional boxing and now a former world champion is eyeing a similar return, with eyes set on a potential showdown with the Filipino icon.

Pacquiao had not won a professional fight since 2019 when he returned to the sport and earned a world title shot against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in July, much to the dismay of other contenders in the 147-pound division.

However, despite a spirited effort and a surprisingly competitive contest, the 47-year-old’s winless drought continued as Pacquiao was only able to get a draw against Barrios.

Pacquiao has chosen to keep fighting, as he once again looks to break his own record as the oldest welterweight world champion of all time before hanging up his gloves for good.

He has been linked with a number of offers, including another world title challenge against WBA holder Rolando Romero and a possible rematch with longtime rival Floyd Mayweather, who beat him in 2015.

Now there’s another former champion hoping to land a fight with Pacquiao – two-division conqueror Zab Judah has revealed his interest in a showdown with boxing’s only eight-division champion, in a interview with MillCity Boxing.

“Let’s go. I don’t turn anyone away, I only turn down collars, that’s on my mom. Manny and I have never fought. We here would love to.

“You got me excited with this Manny Pacquiao-Zab Judah shit. Sounds like something. It’s a good idea. We ain’t missing out here, baby. Where’s Manny? You put a—a name on the contract with mine and watch what happens. You already know how depressed I get.”

It looks like Pacquiao will be set to win his next world title challenge, with Romero should instead face mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov And Barrios set to face Ryan Garcia.

The normal resumption of boxing could mean the Filipino legend could look to put on more of a spectacle fight, but Judah – who retired in 2019 after suffering a brain hemorrhage following a stoppage loss – is unlikely to be heard.