A Non-Pacquiao Fight Watching Guide For Pacquiao Fans

So, what’s a Pacquiao fan to do with no Pacquiao?

Here’s a handy viewing guide for those missing some Pacquiao-style action:

Aug. 22 (Fox/Fox Deportes):

Shawn Porter vs. Sebastian Formella

Porter, a former Pacquiao sparring partner, is also one of the main rumored foes for Manny. It remains to be seen what kind of challenge he’ll meet against his Germany-based foe. But Porter’s bull-rushing style always makes for an entertaining evening.

Aug. 29 (ESPN):

Jose Ramirez vs. Viktor Postol (For Ramirez’s WBO and WBC junior welterweight titles)

Ramirez is one of the sport’s most intriguing fighters and a no-nonsense all-action ring presence. The Ukraine’s Postol is a former world champ who also makes for compelling battles.

Sept. 19 (Showtime):

Tugstsogt Nyambayar vs. Eduardo Ramirez (WBC featherweight title eliminator)

Nyambayar has been labeled “The Mongolian Manny Pacquiao.” Despite coming up short in his first title shot against Gary Russell Jr., the exciting, talented challenger put up a spirited effort and raised his stock in defeat.

Sept. 26 (PPV):

Jermall Charlo vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko (For Charlo’s WBC middleweight title)

Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario (For Charlo’s WBC  junior middleweight title and Rosario’s WBA and IBF junior middleweight titles)

These two bouts may not be directly Pacquiao-related in any way, but both will be good, competitive scraps guaranteed to deliver action.

Lomachenko-Lopez is Happening

Oct. 17 (ESPN):

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Teofimo Lopez (for Lomachenko’s WBO and WBA lightweight titles and Lopez’s IBF lightweight title)

This much-anticipated 135 lb. clash is now finalized and ready to go. It’ll be a clash of Lomachenko, the master, vs. Lopez, the young lion. Three belts will be on the line and the winner will become consensus king of the hill in the division.

Oct. 24 (PPV):

Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz (For Davis’ WBA lightweight title)

Davis, who is promoted by Pacquiao archrival Floyd Mayweather, is one of boxing’s most compelling young talents. Santa Cruz is an elite-level battler and multiple-division world champ coming up in weight to challenge for another title. Fireworks are guaranteed.

Spence-Garcia, a key welterweight bout

Nov. 21 (PPV):

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Danny Garcia (For Spence’s IBF and WBC welterweight titles)

Not only is this one a key battle in Pacquiao’s welterweight division, it’s also a bout between two possible main stage foes for Manny. It’s also, by the way, just a really good matchup that should be a compelling watch for fans.

Nov. 28 (PPV):

Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.

This 8-round heavyweight bout is just an exhibition, but it’ll pique the interest of boxing fans nonetheless. It’s a contest between, arguably, the biggest boxing stars of the 90’s and a surefire media event.

Dec. 12 (Showtime):

Nordine Oubaali vs. Nonito Donaire (For Oubaali’s WBC bantamweight title)

The Filipino Flash, Donaire, makes a bid for another world title against France’s Oubaali. Donaire, 37, was thought to be finished as a main stage, world class fighter, but a world title win 2018 and a spirited loss to Naoya Inoue in 2019 have helped to revive his career.