5 matchups for Manny Pacquiao in order of appeal: Where does Conor McGregor rank?

(Editor’s note: This story originally published over at Boxing Junkie, part of the USA TODAY Network.)

Manny Pacquiao, at 42, has only a few more fights remaining in his career. Thus, people pay attention whenever he’s linked to a potential opponent.

The latest name is Ryan Garcia, with whom Pacquiao reportedly is in negotiations for either a fight or an exhibition. Garcia seemed to say on Instagram that a deal has been reached but, according to reports, that’s not the case.

Is Garcia the best opponent for Pacquiao among those who have been mentioned since Pacquiao outpointed Keith Thurman to win a major 147-pound title in July 2019?

Or are there others – in boxing or mixed martial arts – who would be better fits for Pacquiao at this stage of the game?

Here are five matchups that have been discussed for the future Hall of Famer, in order of appeal:

Terrence Crawford or Errol Spence Jr.

Errol Spence Jr. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The goal of every major beltholder should be to unify titles, which gives fans the closest thing to a genuine champion in a dysfunctional system. Crawford and Spence own the three remaining titles. I would fear for Pacquiao if he were to face either one of them but, if he wants to challenge himself and add to his legacy, this is the direction he should go.

Mikey Garcia

Garcia isn’t the threat that Crawford and Spence are. And he doesn’t have the fan base of Ryan Garcia, meaning a Pacquiao-Mike Garcia wouldn’t generate the interest Pacquiao-Ryan Garcia would. However, it might be the best possible matchup from a competitive perspective. Mikey Garcia is a legitimate opponent who, like Pacquiao, is a small welterweight.

Ryan Garcia (sanctioned)

Ryan Garcia. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

I was surprised to see some people dismiss King Ryan’s chances against Pacquiao. Pacman is bigger and more experienced than Garcia but he’s 42 and will have been out of the ring for more than a year and a half if they meet. It’s a competitive fight, at least on paper. Plus, the popularity of both fighters would make the promotion an entertaining ride.

Conor McGregor

The Pacquiao-McGregor fight is the least competitive of all possibilities. In other words, McGregor would stand no chance. This matchup would be a financial reward for Pacquiao for everything he has given the sport. He deserves it if he wants it. And the fact that McGregor lost to Dustin Poirier should have no bearing on whether the fight should be made. It would still be lucrative. https://twitter.com/MannyPacquiao/status/1353211277062017025 https://twitter.com/MannyPacquiao/status/1353218231054462981

Ryan Garcia (exhibition)

If Pacquiao and Garcia take part in an exhibition to benefit charity, God bless them. They’re good people. That said, I have no interest whatsoever in seeing it. Why would I? Sparring can be interesting to watch sometimes but there are enough real televised and streamed fights to keep me satiated. If Pacquiao and Garcia want to help those less fortunate, then they could donate a portion of their purses. Please, no exhibition.

Also

Of course, there are more legitimate prospective opponents for Pacquiao. They include: Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia, Josh Taylor and Jose Ramirez. The problem is that none of them are as interesting at those listed above.

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