Manny Pacquiao has a plan, and it is based on strong opinions and his signature altruism.
The Filipino Senator-Champion gave his thoughts on current unified International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr, and me sees chinks in his armor.
Prepare yourself for high performance by taking care of your mind and body. pic.twitter.com/54NkloysNW
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) January 13, 2021
“He is too slow,” Pacquiao said to BusinessMirror as an assessment of Spence’s unanimous decision victory over Danny Garcia last month.
“Spence is slower than (Keith) Thurman but it’s going to be a good fight.”
Pacquiao, 42, took a split decision victory over Thurman last July 20, taking his WBA (Super) welterweight title. Pacquiao scored a knockdown against Thurman in the first round.
It was only the second time Thurman had been knocked down in his career.
I promise to win the light weight title, never defend it, and hold up the division trying to fight Manny Pacquiao in boxing.
You’re truly, #ConorMcGregor https://t.co/LRgO2jlCSP
— JustGinaMMA🇭🇹 (@JustGinaMMA) January 5, 2021
However, Pacquiao’s first order of business is a challenge to boxing’s resident jump-off, former UFC champ-champ “The Notorious” Conor McGregor.
“They’re my options, but right now I want to experience fighting an MMA (fighter),” said Pacquiao. “I will also donate a big portion of my income to Filipino Covid-19 victims.”
As we begin the work this new year to rise from the pandemic, I am filled with hope because of the fighting spirit of the Filipino people. pic.twitter.com/KB7ipN75Lr
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) January 5, 2021
Pacquiao (62-7-2) was promoted by Top Rank and it’s chairman Bob Arum for a large portion of his legendary career.
He broke with the promotion to establish MP Promotions and aligned with Al Haymon of Premier Boxing Champions as of late. Now in his forties, Pacquiao hasn’t alluded to retirement but seems to be gearing up for a still vibrant run that takes into account novelty fights and boxing current top rated champs in the welterweight division.
Manny Pacquiao on Errol Spence's last fight and whether he'll face Spence or Conor McGregor next: "He is too slow. Spence is slower than Thurman. They [Spence/McGregor] are my options, but right now I want to experience fighting an MMA [fighter]." [@BusinessMirror]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) January 12, 2021
The eight-division world champion and current welterweight champ made a huge statement beating Keith Thurman and is still very much on the radar of active boxers ten years his junior.
Spence is the man on top of the welterweight division even after a horrific car crash that almost took his life last October in Dallas, Texas.
“I think Spence lost a step from the accident,” said MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons. “It’s a difficult fight but I think, yes (Pacquiao beats Spence).”
