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When looking back at the year in boxing as a whole in 2019, it would be difficult to argue against the idea of Andy Ruiz Jr.'s stoppage of unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in June being the unanimous choice for biggest upset and most shocking moment. But let's not forget the case that could be made for what Manny Pacquiao accomplished.

At the tender age of 40 and in his 25th year as a professional fighter, Pacquiao (62-7-2) made an almost unthinkable case for fighter of the year by turning back the clock with a pair of high-profile victories on pay-per-view and making an emphatic return to the top of the rankings in boxing's deepest division.

Despite a full-time role as a senator in his native Philippines and fresh off just one appearance in 2018 when he stopped the ultra-faded Lucas Matthysse to snap a nine-year knockout drought and win a secondary WBA welterweight title, Pacquiao added yet another chapter to his legendary career. Even more impressive, he doesn't appear to be finished in his pursuit of the biggest and most dangerous names.

Pacquiao began 2019 by pitching a near shutout of Adrien Broner in January, badly hurting him twice late in the fight. He came back six months later to floor unbeaten Keith Thurman en route to an exciting split-decision win to claim the full WBA title.

The key for Pacquiao's resurgence seems to be both the absurd retention of his hand and foot speed and a rededication to his training, which seemed to be lacking in recent years (especially ahead of his 2017 upset title loss to Jeff Horn). The "PacMan" still packs enough power to keep opponents honest and his ability to confuse and harass by attacking from awkward angles hasn't gone away.

So which opponents could end up in Pacquiao's plans for 2020? Some of that depends upon whether the new trend of rival networks joining forces to produce big fights (including the Feb. 22 Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury PPV rematch with Fox and ESPN) continues to evolve. The specific details of Pacquiao's contract with Premier Boxing Champions (rumored to have either one or two fights remaining) also should play a role.

If Pacquiao proved anything last year, it's that he can still draw as a brand after combining for the most PPV buys in 2019. Let's take a look at his six most intriguing options for the year to come.

Errol Spence Jr. (26-0, 21 KOs)
Danny Garcia (35-2, 21 KOs)
Shawn Porter (30-3-1, 17 KOs)
Terence Crawford (36-0, 27 KOs)
Mikey Garcia (39-1, 30 KOs)
Floyd Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs)

Manny Pacquiao next fight: Errol Spence, Floyd Mayweather among six best options for 2020 bouts

When looking back at the year in boxing as a whole in 2019, it would be difficult to argue against the idea of Andy Ruiz Jr.'s stoppage of unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in June being the unanimous choice for biggest upset and most shocking moment. But let's not forget the case that could be made for what Manny Pacquiao accomplished.

At the tender age of 40 and in his 25th year as a professional fighter, Pacquiao (62-7-2) made an almost unthinkable case for fighter of the year by turning back the clock with a pair of high-profile victories on pay-per-view and making an emphatic return to the top of the rankings in boxing's deepest division.

Despite a full-time role as a senator in his native Philippines and fresh off just one appearance in 2018 when he stopped the ultra-faded Lucas Matthysse to snap a nine-year knockout drought and win a secondary WBA welterweight title, Pacquiao added yet another chapter to his legendary career. Even more impressive, he doesn't appear to be finished in his pursuit of the biggest and most dangerous names.

Pacquiao began 2019 by pitching a near shutout of Adrien Broner in January, badly hurting him twice late in the fight. He came back six months later to floor unbeaten Keith Thurman en route to an exciting split-decision win to claim the full WBA title.

The key for Pacquiao's resurgence seems to be both the absurd retention of his hand and foot speed and a rededication to his training, which seemed to be lacking in recent years (especially ahead of his 2017 upset title loss to Jeff Horn). The "PacMan" still packs enough power to keep opponents honest and his ability to confuse and harass by attacking from awkward angles hasn't gone away.

So which opponents could end up in Pacquiao's plans for 2020? Some of that depends upon whether the new trend of rival networks joining forces to produce big fights (including the Feb. 22 Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury PPV rematch with Fox and ESPN) continues to evolve. The specific details of Pacquiao's contract with Premier Boxing Champions (rumored to have either one or two fights remaining) also should play a role.

If Pacquiao proved anything last year, it's that he can still draw as a brand after combining for the most PPV buys in 2019. Let's take a look at his six most intriguing options for the year to come.

Errol Spence Jr. (26-0, 21 KOs)
Danny Garcia (35-2, 21 KOs)
Shawn Porter (30-3-1, 17 KOs)
Terence Crawford (36-0, 27 KOs)
Mikey Garcia (39-1, 30 KOs)
Floyd Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs)
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