Manny Pacquiao 'always ready' for boxing return amid talk of Bahrain bout

The Filipino has not fought in almost a year, when he defeated Keith Thurman last July to capture the WBA welterweight crown

Manny Pacquiao celebrates his split decision victory over Keith Thurman in their WBA welterweight title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena, AFP

Manny Pacquiao hugs Keith Thurman after winning their welterweight title fight by split decision. AP Photo

Manny Pacquiao celebrates after defeating Keith Thurman by split decision. AP Photo

Freddie Roach gives his instructions to Manny Pacquiao between rounds. AP Photo

Manny Pacquiao, right, and Keith Thurman exchange punches in the 10th round. AP Photo

Keith Thurman, left, and Manny Pacquiao exchange punches in the eighth round. AP Photo

Keith Thurman, right, throws a punch against Manny Pacquiao. AP Photo

Manny Pacquiao lands a shot against Keith Thurman during their WBA welterweight bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Reuters

Manny Pacquiao (R) connects with a punch on Keith Thurman during their WBA welterweight title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena. AFP

Manny Pacquiao, right, and Keith Thurman exchange punches in the fifth round. AP Photo

Manny Pacquiao reacts after knocking down Keith Thurman in the first round. AP Photo

Manny Pacquiao, left, after kniocking down Keith Thurman in the first round. Reuters

Manny Pacquiao will be ready for a return to the ring as soon as his next fight is agreed, according to head trainer Buboy Fernandez.

The Filipino, now 41, has not fought in almost a year, when he defeated the previously unbeaten Keith Thurman in Las Vegas last July to capture the WBA welterweight crown.

Pacquiao had expected to contest his 72nd professional bout next month, but those plans were postponed because of the coronavirus. Last week, Top Rank CEO and promoter Bob Arum said "serious talks" had taken place about arranging a major fight in Bahrain later this year, with Pacquiao against unbeaten WBO champion Terence Crawford discussed.

It would mark another major test of Pacquiao’s talent as the eight-division champion, a sitting senator in the Philippines and tipped to make a run at the country’s presidency in 2022, moves towards the conclusion of his career.

Fernandez, though, believes the celebrated southpaw keeps in such good shape that he will be raring to go whenever called upon.

"There's no problem because his light training has been continuous, and because he sweats it out regularly, it's not a problem for him," Fernandez told The Manila Times. "We won't have a difficult time bringing his stamina up to speed once there's a schedule already.

“I even told him on his birthday that two more fights would be enough. There’s nothing more to prove. But it’s difficult to tell a fighting senator to stop fighting. So, we wait for him to decide when.

"Maybe it’s his determination, and it’s still in his heart to keep fighting. We’re just surprised that his opponents still get knocked down.”

Should Pacquiao, whose record stands at 62-7-2 (39 KOs), not seal the deal with Crawford, he has been linked with potential clashes against IBF champion Errol Spence Jr, or Mikey Garcia.

“It’s up to us to decide [his next opponent],” Fernandez said. “That all depends on the discussion between the senator and the promoter. Whatever their decision, what’s important is that we’re always prepared.

“There hasn’t been any confirmation. I don’t want to set anything in stone. Let’s wait for all concerned parties to come to an agreement.

"The fighting senator is always ready. He never lets himself go. He does light training. Whether he has a trainer or not, he exercises."