Keith Thurman called out Manny Pacquiao after beating Josesito Lopez in his first fight in 22 months.
Thurman, 30, had spent the best part of two years sidelined through elbow and hand injuries before returning to the ring on Saturday, defending his WBA welterweight title via a majority decision after being given a tough examination by Lopez.
The undefeated Florida fighter returns to a welterweight division stacked with elite talent with Errol Spence Jnr and Terence Crawford claiming world title gold during his absence.
Pacquiao meanwhile has proved he still has plenty left in the tank after a comprehensive victory over Adrien Broner last weekend in what was his 70th professional fight at the age of 40.
And Thurman has now set his sights on the veteran Filipino.
“I would most likely definitely take the Manny Pacquiao fight this year,” Thurman said. “I feel good. That was a beautiful fight. I’m ready to fight wherever Pacquiao wants it.”
Thurman added he would even be willing to travel to the Philippines for the fight. Pacquiao has not fought in his homeland since 2006.
Pacquiao meanwhile is eager for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jnr, inviting the undefeated American to come out of retirement once again for a replay of their 2015 bout in the wake of his win over Broner.
CEO of Mayweather Promotions Leonard Ellerbe however later insisted there would be no rematch, insisting the former champion “has nothing to prove" by fighting again.
"He's (Mayweather) retired, he has no interest in doing that," said Ellerbe, when asked about fighting Pacquiao again.
"It's not always about the money, believe it or not. What more can the man do?
"He doesn't have the motivation, the desire. He's living the best life, travelling, running his multiple businesses, spending his well-hard earnings that he spent blood and tears on for years.
"He'll be 42 come February 24 and enough is enough. What good does it do to earn all that money but you can't stick around and spend it. He has had a phenomenal career, he has broken all the records and he has nothing to prove."
