‘MANNY CHOSE WELL’

ALA president Aldeguer thinks it is not about who Pacquiao fights but for the world to witness him fight in farewell tour Trainer Brix Flores says unknown Horn may look like an easy foe but he has nothing to lose and will not make it easy for Pacquiao

Instead of clamoring for Crawford, I feel that should just be thankful that we had the chance to watch a once in a lifetime fighter, which may not happen again in 100 years. So let us appreciate and be thankful for Manny now regardless of who he fights. MICHAEL ALDEGUER Boxing Promoter

Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao already has a choice for the first of four fights that will be his farewell tour for 2017.

Pacquiao is fighting unbeaten but unknown Aussie Jeff Horn on April 22, possibly in Australia.

Though it isn't the fight that everybody has been clamoring for, Michael Aldeguer, the president of the country's leading boxing promotional outfit ALA Promotions, believes that it's still a good fight.

"In a boxing perspective, it's a good choice. Horn may be unknown but that's not the point. Just to watch Manny perform at this stage of his career is more than enough. Manny deserves to choose his opponents now, he has nothing to prove. The idea of Bob for Manny to fight in different countries for the world to see a once in a lifetime fighter in flesh is excellent. I know the public wants Crawford but Manny doesn't need Crawford,” he said. Unknown to most, ALA Gym head trainer Edito Villamor believes that Horn could pose a threat to Pacquiao because of his youth and hunger.

"I have not seen his fights but based on his record he has faced some name fighters and he also has power with 11 knockouts in 16 fights,” he said. "We can't also say that this is an easy fight because he is younger compared to Manny. Horn is also hungrier and has nothing to lose. It's a high-risk low-reward fight for Manny."

Villamor hopes the last three fights of Pacquiao will include the two best possible opponents.

"I hope that after Horn it will be Mayweather or if not Terrence Crawford. There is no one else out there for Manny."

Former ALA pug Melvin Gumban, who is now a trainer in Japan, echoed the sentiments of his former coach Villamor.

"I have not seen the fights of Jeff Horn," he said. "What I see is that the opponent has a good record and it will be a good fight. But it will still be Pacquiao that will win. This will just be a bridge for a fight against (Terrence) Crawford."

Two-division world champion Donnie Nietes also hasn't heard of Horn.

"I think it may be an easy fight for Manny," said Nietes. "I think Bob Arum chose this opponent for him."

Despite his frequent travels for fights in Australia, RWS Gym trainer Brix Flores also hasn't heard of Horn.

“I have not heard of his opponent's name. I have not even heard my friends in Australia mention to me that boxer. Maybe he's a good boxer but he's far from Pacquiao's level,” he said. “(Easy fight) that's what I see. But (Pacquiao) must not take any chances because his opponent has nothing to lose and is also very hungry.”