WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol ‘The Truth’ Spence Jr 27-0 (21) says he has no concerns about his chin holding up to the buzzsaw attack of Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao 62-7-2 (39) when they clash the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 21.
“It’s definitely been tested in sparring and it was definitely tested in the Danny Garcia fight,” the 31-year-old Texan said at the first official media conference to promote the fight this Sunday. “So I still have a great chin, but I feel that Manny Pacquiao will test it on August 21st.”
At 42, Pacquiao is a veteran of the game. He hasn’t fought since outpointing then-WBA champion Keith Thurman 29-1 (22) by split decision in Las Vegas two years ago. But Spence is not banking on Pacquiao becoming old overnight.
“Just because he’s 42, it doesn’t mean nothing because he doesn’t get 20 pounds out of weight or he’s not doing outside things that distract him,” Spence said.
“I feel like he’s a boxer 24/7 year-round, so I feel like that helps him also with his age and things like that. That’s why he’s the same Manny Pacquiao for years and decades because he’s a guy that takes care of his body and is disciplined like I said.
“So that’s what I’m looking for, the Manny Pacquiao that fought Keith Thurman and the Manny Pacquiao before that. So that’s why I’m going to train and train hard. I don’t believe in over-training because your body is going to go what you’re adapted to. So I feel like I can’t over-train.”
The all-southpaw showdown will be interesting as neither boxer has faced a fellow lefty for quite some time.
“Of course he’s got tendencies,” Spence said. “You’re going to find tendencies over his career span. He’s a guy that is going to go out there and fight and when it’s time to buckle down, he’s going to fight. That could be a pro or a con, but he’s going to make it a fan-friendly, great fight.”
Spence, who recovered from a high-speed single car accident two years ago when he rolled his Ferrari and was ejected from the vehicle, says he has supreme confidence in his ability to take a shot.
“No, I don’t see myself ever getting knocked out. That’s something I don’t see,” Spence said.
“We’re definitely going to be cautious and mindful that he does have power. He did knock down Keith Thurman and hurt him with a body shot. We’re going to keep that in mind, but I’m not thinking that he can knock down or knock me out. I don’t think any fighter can knock me out.”
According to Spence, it should be Pacquiao who is concerned about his power.
“I definitely have the ability to finish him,” he said. “So for me, it’s to say focused and win the fight. I feel like when you go out there and rush to go for a knockout, I feel like, even with my experience in the amateurs, you look sloppy and something goes wrong or you look like you’re trying too hard.
“For me, it’s to go at my own pace. If the knockout comes, go for it, and if it don’t, go for the victory. It’s going to be a great fight, an entertaining fight. Manny Pacquiao is going to bring it like he always does. He’s going to show a lot of heart and dedication and it’s going to be a really entertaining fight for the fans.
“I’m definitely going to come away with a victory, whether it’s a stoppage or a win.”
