Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao 62-7-2 (39) is expecting an exciting fight when he challenges WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol ‘The Truth’ Spence Jr 27-0 (21) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 21.
The 42-year-old will be having his first fight in two years following his WBA welterweight title-winning effort against previously undefeated American Kith ‘One Time’ Thurman 29-1 (22) in Las Vegas in July 2019.
“I’m expecting a good fight,” said Pacquiao, who turned professional in 1995. “Spence is an aggressive fighter and I know that we can create a lot of action in the ring for all of the fans watching. I have lots of advantages in this fight. My speed and power, along with my strategy and experience, are all advantages for me.
“I never imagined being at this point now when I started my career. Especially to be here now and still fighting the best. It’s truly a gift that I’ve received.
“It’s been two years since I’ve been in the ring and it was good for me to have that rest. It helped my body and my mind a lot. This time around, I’m as excited as ever and feeling like I’m young again.”
Pacquiao was in negotiations to face Mikey Garcia 40-1 (30) in the Middle East when the opportunity to face Spence presented itself. The announcement of the fight came as something of a surprise to the boxing community.
Pacquiao believes he made the right decision for his legacy.
“I could have fought several easy opponents. I picked the best opponent because I want to add more to my legacy and accomplishments. I have to prove that I’m not done yet,” Pacquiao said.
“We have a strategy that we know how to use against a southpaw. He wants to fight toe-to-toe and that’s going to be to my advantage. We’re prepared for anything. If he wants to use his reach advantage instead, we are ready.
“My family is so supportive of me because they know that I want to fight and bring honour to my country. At the same time, I’m also here to show for myself that I can still do it at 42-years-old.
“This could be my last fight or there could be more. Like I’ve always said, it’s one at a time. After the fight, I’ll talk about the plan and see if there’s another fight coming.
“I’m happy to have been doing this for so long with the same coaching staff. I know that they’re happy with my preparations for this fight. The fire in training is still there. It’s the same as it’s been these last 15 years.
“I know my career will not last forever, that’s why I’m starting to help the young fighters in this sport who want to follow in my footsteps. It’s very important to me at this point in my career.”
