Manny Pacquiao could have a WBC super welterweight title shot waiting at the age of 48 once his rematch with Floyd Mayweather is complete.
The Filipino legend returns to face Mayweather at the Sphere in Las Vegas on September 19, but the long-term implications of that bout may stretch far beyond the event itself.
Both potential WBC champions at 154 pounds have already signaled their willingness to face Pacquiao, leaving the eight-division champion with a possible route to another world title fight regardless of who holds the belt.
Speaking during a Fight Hub TV interview in Las Vegas, Thurman said he would gladly face Pacquiao again if the opportunity presented itself, more than six years after their July 2019 welterweight clash.
If Thurman defeats WBC super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora this weekend, he would control the belt and then offer Pacquiao a shot at the 154-pound crown. Fundora is the current WBC champion heading into the bout and will attempt to defend the belt at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
That possibility would place Pacquiao on course for another title opportunity in the closing chapter of one of boxing’s greatest careers.
Thurman Wants Redemption
Thurman has never hidden his desire to avenge the split-decision loss he suffered against Pacquiao in Las Vegas in July 2019.
Reflecting on the fight and the possibility of running it back, the former unified champion said he would have no hesitation in accepting the bout.
“I’m not gonna say no to a good fight, a good contract, and a good payday,” Thurman told Fight Hub TV.
“But at the end of the day, I really don’t know what’s next after this. There’s just so many possibilities.
“Like fighting Pacquiao. I don’t feel like he’s ever even been in this division. It’d just be like fighting a name; it would be a redemption fight for me, obviously.”
Thurman also admitted the ending of their first meeting has stayed with him.
“Twelve rounds felt too short, you know? We should have done a fifteen-round fight back in that day.
“It was for the Super Title anyway. Super champs need to be fifteen-round fights like the old champions used to do.
“The bell went ding, and I thought to myself, ‘You can’t punch this man no more. Like, it’s really over. They’re about to take your gloves off.’
“That was the worst part of the whole fight when they were about to take the gloves off.
“So, yeah, I’d probably sign that contract.”
Pacquiao Has A Title Route Either Way
If Thurman upsets Fundora and takes the WBC title, the American would immediately be in a position to pursue the rematch he still wants.
That would open the door for Pacquiao to challenge for the belt at 154 pounds after his rematch with Mayweather at the Sphere on September 19, a fight already being widely reported.
However, the title path does not disappear if Thurman loses.
Sebastian Fundora previously told World Boxing News he would welcome the chance to face Pacquiao if the Filipino legend targeted the WBC championship.
“Absolutely, absolutely,” Fundora said when asked whether he would offer Pacquiao a shot at the title.
“I’d love that fight.”
Those comments mean Pacquiao could realistically find himself in line for a WBC super welterweight title opportunity regardless of which fighter leaves the upcoming bout with the belt.
Another Shot At 154
Pacquiao’s immediate focus remains Mayweather, but the bigger long-term hook is what may still be waiting for him afterward.
The ‘PacMan’ was born on December 17, 1978, so he would be 47 on fight night against Mayweather and would turn 48 later in the year.
Pacquiao already made history at the weight once before, defeating Antonio Margarito for the vacant WBC super welterweight title in November 2010.
A second run at the same belt in his late forties would be another remarkable twist in a career built on doing what few thought was possible.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
