Danny Garcia hasn’t been given a definitive answer from Al Haymon, but he expects to fight either Errol Spence Jr. or Manny Pacquiao sometime in the fall.
The Athletic reported Monday that Spence likely will face Garcia in a FOX Sports Pay-Per-View main event on an undetermined date in the fall.
Philadelphia’s Garcia discussed those two options Tuesday during an appearance on “The Ak & Barak Show,” which streams daily on SiriusXM and DAZN.
“It can be done,” Garcia said regarding fighting Spence next. “I was told either him or Manny Pacquiao. I know I said September on [Instagram Live], but it should be in the fall. I don’t wanna say. I don’t wanna give false information, like September. But it may be in the fall. Either him or Manny Pacquiao. So, that’s what I was told.
“You know, it doesn’t matter to me at this point. Both of them are champions. Spence would be better because I would win two titles and I would become a five-time world champion. But even beating a legend in Manny Pacquiao would be … that’ll be a great thing for my legacy. So, it doesn’t matter to me at this point.”
Spence expected to defend his IBF and WBC welterweight titles against Garcia on January 25. Their fight was scrapped after Spence suffered cuts to his face and dental damage in a one-car accident October 10 in downtown Dallas.
The 30-year-old Spence (26-0, 21 KOs) has recovered from his injuries, returned to training and expects to fight in the fall. The DeSoto, Texas, native revealed during an appearance last month on Showtime’s “All The Smoke” podcast, however, that he won’t be cleared to spar until he has three temporary dental posts replaced with permanent teeth.
“I was supposed to fight Spence in January,” Garcia said. “Remember, January 25th I was supposed to fight him. The fight was done, and I’m glad I did fight in January because if I didn’t fight in January, I would’ve been out the ring for a long time because no one knew about COVID-19. I’m glad I pushed for a fight and I’m glad I got a fight because I would’ve been out the ring for a long time.”
The 32-year-old Garcia (36-2, 21 KOs), a former welterweight and junior welterweight champion, soundly defeated Ukrainian underdog Ivan Redkach (23-5-1, 18 KOs, 1 NC) by unanimous decision in a 12-round fight January 25 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
“I just feel like everything happens for a reason,” Garcia said. “You know, I got the southpaw and now, whoever’s next, Manny or Spence, most likely, it may be looking more like Spence. But if Manny says yes, then it’s Manny.”
The Philippines’ Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) last fought July 20, when the 41-year-old legend defeated previously unbeaten Keith Thurman (29-1, 22 KOs, 1 NC) by split decision to win the WBA welterweight title at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.