WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol ‘The Truth’ Spence Jr 27-0 (21) is ready to claim the biggest scalp of his nine-year pro career when he takes on Filipino veteran Manny Pacquiao 62-7-2 (39) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 21.
The 31-year-old Texan southpaw will be making the sixth defence of the IBF belt he won against Kell Brook four years ago and the second defence of the WBC strap he lifted from Shawn Porter two years ago.
“I’ve been waiting on this kind of major boxing event my entire career,” Spence said. “Manny Pacquiao is a boxing legend and future Hall of Famer. To be able to match skills with him and come out with a victory would be the highlight of my career thus far.
“I’m coming to win and he’s coming to win and that’s what makes for an all-action fight. I can’t wait to step into the ring at T-Mobile Arena on August 21 in what I expect to be an exciting night.’’
Fellow southpaw Pacquiao, 42, has shown remarkable longevity over his storied 26-year career. He won his first world championship at flyweight 23 years ago and in his last bout in July 2019 he became the WBA welterweight champion with a split decision win over previously undefeated American Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman 29-1 (22).
“I am excited to be battling Errol Spence Jr,” Pacquiao said. “Like me, Errol has an aggressive, all-action style of fighting. Boxing fans watching at T-Mobile Arena or on pay-per-view are going to be happy with this world championship fight. It is going to be wild!”
The fight will be promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions.
“This is as big of a fight that can be made in boxing and the whole world will be watching on Fox Sports PBC pay-per-view August 21,” said Tom Brown, president of TGB Promotions.
“Manny Pacquiao is a hero to his nation, a living legend in the ring, and is once again seeking the biggest challenge available to him as he’s done throughout his career.
“Errol Spence Jr has reigned as the world’s top welterweight for years and will now have a chance to cement further his pound-for-pound credentials in the biggest fight of his career.
“Whether you’re watching at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas or live on pay-per-view, August 21 is sure to be a memorable night for the sport.”
Earlier this week Pacquiao said Spence could be the toughest of his career.
“Errol Spence is a very difficult fight for me; perhaps the most difficult of my career,” he said. “But I have been an underdog my whole life. I am used to that. It is why I work so hard.
“But the love and the prayers of my fellow Philippine citizens and Filipinos around the world sustain and inspire me. I fight for the glory of our nation and for underdogs everywhere.”