Manny Pacquiao vs Jeff Horn
Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn during their first fight Getty

KEY POINTS

  • Pacquiao lost his WBO welterweight title to Horn in a controversial decision loss.
  • Horn will defend his title against Crawford if he beats Gary Corcoran.

Manny Pacquiao could be in line for a welterweight title shot in 2018 against the winner of a potential Jeff Horn vs Terence Crawford fight, according to his promoter Bob Arum.

Pacquiao lost his WBO welterweight title when he went down to current champion Horn in a controversial 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113 unanimous decision victory back in July.

A rematch between the two was set for November. However, Pacquiao had to withdraw due to his senatorial commitments in the Philippines.

Horn will instead make his first title defence against England's Gary Corcoran on December 13. Should the Australian win that fight, he will make a mandatory title defence against Terence Crawford, who is considered by many as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world right now.

As for "Pacman", Arum revealed that he will return to action sometime in 2018, ideally with a non-title fight.

If the 38-year-old is able to emerge victorious in his return fight, Arum claims he could fight the WBO welterweight champion next.

"Horn is going to fight against the British fighter Gary Corcoran on December 13, in Brisbane, Australia in the evening and it will be broadcast in the United States in the early hours of that day through ESPN," Arum told ESPN Deportes, as quoted by BoxingScene.

"The winner of that match must make a mandatory defence against Terence Crawford. Meanwhile, Pacquiao is going to fight, or at least he plans to return to the ring at some point in 2018.

"And if he comes out with his hand raised, then he could make a fight with the winner between Crawford and Horn or Corcoran vs Crawford."

Terrence Crawford
Terence Crawford is considered by many as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world Getty
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