By Matt Lieberman: Paulie Malignaggi sees a lot of interesting potential fights that can be made involving Errol Spence Jr., Manny Pacquiao, Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman, and Shawn Porter.
These are all PBC welterweights, who will be looking for fights once the coronavirus clears away so that boxing cards can take place.
One fight that Malignaggi really wants to see take place is between WBA Super World 147-lb champion Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) and former two-division world champion Danny Garcia. (36-2, 21 KOs).
Spence has his eye on a fight against Danny, and he’d said that he wants to fight in July. That time frame sounds doubtful given the spread of COVID 19 globally. With the car crash that Spence was in last October, his adviser Al Haymon of Premier Boxing Champions will probably look to bring him back against a less dangerous opponent than Garcia.
Malignaggi Wants Pacquiao Vs. Danny Garcia
“I think Spence has to come back from the injury and whatnot. Make Pacquiao and Garcia,” said Malignaggi to Fighthype in talking about fights that should be made. “That’s an interesting style matchup. Make Pacquiao and [Danny] Garcia. If Pacquiao can outwork him somehow.
“I don’t know. 42-years-old and you outwork the other guy. Danny is a very good timing fighter. He might be the best timing fighter in boxing. If he catches you coming, and Pacquiao does come in recklessly a lot. I think it’s a nice style-gel, a nice style mesh. I’d like to see that fight. If you give me a fight at welterweight, I want to see Pacquiao and Danny Garcia.
“I think Danny’s style is hard to appreciate for people not really in boxing. His timing is so good, and Pacquiao jumps in so recklessly. He didn’t learn anything from the Marquez knockout. He still does the same thing,” said Malignaggi.
Based on the recent performances by Danny Garcia and Pacquiao, you’d have to lean in Manny’s direction to win this. Garcia, 31, didn’t look so great in his recent 12 round decision victory over Ivan Redkach (23-5-1, 18 KOs) on January 25.
Although Danny dominated the fight, Redkach hung tough and landed a lot of shots on Danny. Had Redkach had a bit more power, Garcia would have had pure trouble.