Ranking the Likely Next Opponents to Face Manny Pacquiao

The only thing we know for certain about Manny Pacquiao's future is this—he plans to run for a post in the Philippine Senate in 2016.

As for his next move in boxing, the situation is a little more complicated.

Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KOs) underwent surgery on a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder following the defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in May.

Recently, however, he revealed a shortlist of four names for his next—and likely final—fight.

Speaking to Emirates 24/7 (h/t Sky Sports) about who he might face on his ring return, the 36-year-old said: "We have Amir Khan, Danny Garcia, Terrence Crawford or Timothy Bradley."

He did also add a kicker that "a lot of names" had been given to him by his promoter, Bob Arum.

However, rather than broaden the possibilities further, let us focus on the quartet Pacquiao named in the interview.

Here Bleacher Report looks at the four contenders for Pac-Man's farewell fight, ranking them in order of who could provide the legendary eight-division world champion with the best challenge.

Remember, though, the rankings are all a matter of opinion.

The order has been selected to show who would give Pacquaio the best fight in the ring, not necessarily make the most sense from a business point of view.

As ever, you can share your thoughts via the comments section.

Professional record: 33-1-1 (13 KOs)

Last fight: Beat Brandon Rios by TKO (November 7, 2015)

With new trainer Teddy Atlas in his corner, Timothy Bradley looked impressive in retaining the WBO welterweight title with a ninth-round stoppage over Brandon Rios.

Not known for delivering wins inside the distance, Desert Storm dominated Rios to reignite his career in a division full of possibilities.

It was the first time Bradley had won without needing to go to the scorecards since an eighth-round TKO over Joel Casamayor four years previously.

Promoter Bob Arum was certainly impressed, per the Associated Press (h/t the Guardian): "That’s the best Bradley I’ve ever seen."

The display could have been enough to clinch Bradley a third showdown with Pacquiao. 

He claimed the WBO strap from the Filipino with a contentious points triumph in 2012 but handed the belt back in 2014, when Pacquiao won by unanimous decision.

But considering most experts feel Pacman won both contests comfortably, is there any need to see it again?

Why the fight makes sense

For starters, it should be an easy deal to make. Both men are signed up with Arum at Top Rank.

Bradley and Pacquiao know each other well, and it could be marketed as the chance for them to settle the score. The problem is, however, it may struggle to attract a lot of interest.

Professional record: 31-0 (18 KOs)

Last fight: Beat Paul Malignaggi by TKO (August 1, 2015)

Garcia has the record to justify a shot at Pacquiao.

Unbeaten as a pro, the 27-year-old from Philadelphia is a former light welterweight world champion who has beaten Amir Khan, Erik Morales (twice) and Lucas Matthysse.

However, Swift has got stuck of late. His last three opponents have been Rod Salka, Lamont Peterson and Paul Malignaggi.

They are hardly names to excite fight fans, so Garcia could do with a major fight next.

He is a tough competitor who can hit. Just ask Matthysse, who was knocked down in the 11th round, or Khan, who was sent to the canvas on three occasions before eventually being stopped in the fifth.

Freddie Roach has made his choice clear over who he feels Pacquiao should face next, telling George Gigney of Boxing News (warning: article contains language NSFW): "I want Danny Garcia, that’s my choice."

You can see why trainer Roach would opt for Garcia, as he may be the easiest of the quartet of names for Pac-Man to deal with.

Why the fight makes sense

Pacquiao would not have to look too far to find Garcia, who made the move up to welterweight to ease his issues on the scales (and chase the bigger names, of course).

Press conferences between Roach and Angel Garcia, Danny's father and trainer, would be lively. The man employed to bleep out swear words for television could be extremely busy.

Professional record: 31-3 (19 KOs)

Last fight: Beat Chris Algieri on points (May 29, 2015)

Despite reports to suggest a deal has been done, Amir Khan has not yet signed a contract to fight Manny Pacquiao.

However, according to Jeff Powell of the Daily Mail, the Bolton boxer has "sent his written acceptance of Pacquiao's terms to promoter Bob Arum 10 days ago and has been expecting a contract in return."

Khan has been here before. He chased a fight with Floyd Mayweather. He chased it hard, like a dog chases a passing car.

But, just like that plucky canine who barks loudly after the vehicle, Khan never caught up with his target.

So, Pacquiao would appear to be the next best thing for the Olympic silver medallist.

They know each other well, too, having worked out of the same gym while Khan was also being trained by Freddie Roach.

According to Powell, Roach previously revealed: "Manny frequently put Amir on the floor, knocking him cold four or five times."

But that was then. This is now, and while Khan—now under the guidance of Virgil Hunter—is older and wiser, Pacquiao is just older.

Why the fight makes sense

Khan has the speed and the skills to give Pacquiao problems. However, he has also shown in defeats to Danny Garcia and Lamont Peterson a reckless desire to stand and trade.

The previous sparring sessions between Khan and Pac-Man would only add a little spice in the buildup, and Roach would no doubt mention them again.

Professional record: 27-0 (19 KOs)

Last fight: Beat Dierry Jean by TKO (October 24, 2015)

Terence Crawford is the current WBO light welterweight champion, retaining his title in October with a comfortable victory over Dierry Jean.

The 28-year-old has also won a world title at lightweight, having picked up his first major belt by dethroning Scotsman Ricky Burns in 2014.

His reputation has blossomed since then, helped by a win over Yuriorkis Gamboa.

Timothy Bradley may be in the running to fight Pacquiao, but he believes Crawford deserves the chance, telling Radio Rahim of BoxingScene.com: "I want to see Crawford get that Manny Pacquiao fight. He's the next superstar in boxing and I want to see if Crawford can dethrone the great Manny Pacquiao."

Crawford does have the potential to be a star of the sport—he is great to watch, with a fluid style.

Pacquiao would relish the chance to put a dent in the American's perfect record but would have to weigh up the potential risks of taking on such a dangerous foe.

Why the fight makes sense

Like Bradley, Crawford is a Top Rank fighter. He has built up a fan base in his home of Omaha, Nebraska, but Pacquiao is unlikely to entertain the idea of heading into the American's back yard.

The two styles would mesh nicely, though the move up to welterweight could hamper Crawford. It would be an intriguing bout—but would it be a pay-per-view success?

So, who would you like to see Pacquiao face next? Should he look outside of the quartet or is Pac-Man better served hanging up his gloves if there is no prospect of a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr?