Boxing: Manny Pacquiao Announces Fight With Errol Spence Jr.
Manny Pacquiao has announced his return for a world title fight against unbeaten American Errol Spence Jr. in Las Vegas after being inactive since he defeated Keith Thurman to claim the WBA ‘super’ welterweight title in July 2019.
The Pacquiao-Spence Jr. fight be on August 21 and the venue is expected to be the MGM Grand, though Pacquiao said he hoped the fight would be at the Raiders’ home, Allegiant Stadium, which features a 70,000-seat capacity.
Spence, 31, the WBC and IBF welterweight world champion, is 27-0 with 21 knockouts. Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) has won titles in eight divisions.
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) May 21, 2021
“I love to challenge the top guy,” 42-year-old Pacquiao said in an interview.
Manny Pacquiao Promotions president Sean Gibbons said: “Many people believe Spence is the best welterweight in the world and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and Pacquiao has never shied away from fighting real fights.”
“He’s not going to make a fool of himself fighting YouTubers or social media guys like Floyd Mayweather is, and he wants to continue his legacy. He’s always fought the best, and he doesn’t want to change now.”
Mayweather has agreed to a June 6 exhibition fight with YouTuber Logan Paul.
Mayweather and Pacquiao fought in 2015, with Mayweather taking the victory.
In his most recent fight in July 2019, Pacquiao beat Keith Thurman in a split decision to win his since-vacated WBA super welterweight title belt.
Chidi Nwoke/Reuters.
Leave a Reply