Roach eyes Danny Garcia for Pacquiao's next fight

MANILA, Philippines – Hall-of-Fame trainer Freddie Roach has tabbed unbeaten Danny Garcia as his preferred opponent for Manny Pacquiao when the "Pacman" makes his return to the ring in 2016.

Pacquiao is still recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained while training for his May 2 fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., but plans to fight again next year.

Although he remains on the sidelines, Pacquiao remains a popular figure in the sport and is still being called out by some of the best welterweights, including former sparring partner Amir Khan.

It is the undefeated Garcia (31-0) whom Roach wants his top fighter to face, however.

"I want Danny Garcia. That's my choice," Roach declared in an interview with Boxing News Online last week. "That's the easiest fight in the (expletive) world, and you can tell his dad that as well."

"His dad (Angel Garcia) psyched out Amir Khan, but he won't psych Pacquiao out, I promise. Pacquiao will knock Garcia out. I like the dad, but he talks too much," Roach added.

Garcia is coming off a ninth round stoppage of Paulie Malignaggiin his welterweight debut last September. The Philadelphia native previously dominated at the light-welterweight division and holds a TKO win over Khan.

Roach is not totally against a match-up against Khan, who is also a former light-welterweight champion, but stressed that the money should be right especially if it will be held in Dubai.

"People have spoken to me about a fight with Amir," said Roach, adding that he will be interested in a Pacquiao-Khan match.

"They're two fast guys, they have history as they've trained together, sparred a few rounds together, and it's a good fight for both guys," he acknowledged.

Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, have said that a fight with Khan can happen next year in the Middle East. (READ:Pacquiao-Khan showdown is possible, according to Bob Arum)

"The thing about those guys in Dubai, they talk like they have a lot of money, but they never put it up," said Roach. "I'm not really concerned with that at this point. How many years have we heard there's going to be a big fight in Dubai? Way, way too many. If the money comes through, I think it's a great fight."

In the meantime, Pacquiao is still busy healing his injured right shoulder, which required surgery a few days after he lost to Mayweather. Roach said the "Pacman" is progressing well, and has even been swimming and playing basketball.

"But it won't be a while until he's in the ring again. Three to six months," he added.