Manny Pacquiao Must Bounce Back with Dominant Win to Avenge Past Two Fights

After losing his last two fights, Manny Pacquiao is in danger of finishing his legendary career being viewed as a washed-up former champ.

A couple of wins before he retires would help to assuage that perception.

Boxing fans have been clamoring for a Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather fight for years now. Unfortunately, at this time, Pac-Man's latest two losses, combined with Money May's latest triumph, have the fighters headed in opposite directions. 

According to Pacquiao's advisor Michael Koncz, via ESPN UK, Pacquiao is interested in fighting Mayweather and would even be willing to concede 60 percent of the purse to Money.

While it's true that Pacquiao's split-decision "loss" to Timothy Bradley was controversial (at best), after Juan Manuel Márquez knocked him out in the sixth round, Pac-Man's stock as a premier welterweight fighter is waning.

According to Koncz, speaking to BoxingScene.com, the Filipino boxer is targeting a return to the ring in November for a fight in Macau, China, against either Brandon Rios or Mike Alvarado:

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I don't want to put my hand on a table [and reveal the frontrunner] because people are going to demand more money. We are definitely fighting in November, on November 24 and it's definitely in Macau. As to an opponent, we are still working on that and that's why I'm here in Vegas. I will be going back to the Philippines next week, more for the elections than boxing but I am in contact with Manny every day or every other day.

"

Pacquiao will need to make a statement this November by putting on a clinic against Rios or Alvarado. 

Both fighters are accomplished veterans with only one loss on their record. Interestingly enough, their only losses have come against one another, as Rios lost to Alvarado in October of 2012 and then won the rematch in March this year.

Both fighters are also adept at knocking out their opponents. After Pacquiao's demoralizing knockout loss to Márquez, he needs to show he's still capable of taking big hits, so this upcoming fight will be an important test for him.

A resounding victory over Rios or Alvarado is absolutely necessary for Pacquiao to assert himself as a major force in men's welterweight boxing once again. Mayweather won't even consider fighting Pac-Man should he lose again, and a third loss in a row could potentially put an end to his career.

After nearly two decades of fighting and proving himself as one of the world's best boxers, a three-loss finale to Pacquiao's career would be a shame.

A big win, however, would revitalize his career for a final flurry that could result in a bout for the ages against Mayweather—a fight that would give Pacquiao a chance to end his career at the pinnacle of his sport.

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