Tag Archives: Manny Pacquiao

Posted on 08/18/2021

By: Hans Themistode

The smile on the face of Yordenis Ugas was evident the moment he got the call. The 35-year-old WBA welterweight champion was working diligently in training camp as he prepared to take on Fabian Maidana on the undercard of Errol Spence Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao.

Much to his surprise, Ugas was elevated to the starring role once it was revealed that Spence Jr. was unfit to stand across the ring from Pacquiao due to a torn/detached retina in his left eye. While Ugas has wished Spence Jr. a speedy recovery, he couldn’t contain his wide-spreading grin.

“It feels great to be in the main event Saturday night against a true legend like Pacquiao,” said Ugas during an interview with Premier Boxing Champions. “I didn’t hesitate at all when I got offered this fight. I knew right away what a big opportunity it would be and what a win like this can do for my career. I can’t wait to get in the ring on Saturday night.”

For Pacquiao, rumors have long circulated that this could be the last time he enters the ring. Having defeated Keith Thurman in July of 2019, before taking what he describes as a “much needed break,” Pacquiao, who’s also a senator in the Philippines, is said to be angling for a Presidential run in 2022.

Ugas knows good and well of Pacquiao’s political future. As a gesture of kindness, so to speak, the Cuban native would like to offer a helping hand to the former eight-division world champion by pushing him out of the sport of boxing for good.

“I’m here to wreck any future plans Manny Pacquiao has in the ring and make sure that Saturday is his last fight.”

Posted on 08/16/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Manny Pacquiao sensed deja vu as he sat back in his palatial estate to watch Guillermo Rigondeaux take on his fellow Filipino countrymen, and WBO bantamweight titlist, John Riel Casimero. The two faced off this past Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park, in Carson California.

Before entering the ring, both men gave off the illusion that their contest would be action-packed. While Casimero did his best to hold up his end of the bargain, Rigondeaux was constantly on the move.

In the end, what resulted was a lackluster affair. With a grand total of 91 punches landed, Rigondeaux and Casimero set the record for the lowest amount of landed punches in CompuBox history.

As a fairly jam-packed crowd was dissatisfied with what they were watching, Pacquiao simply shook his head as he took a trip down memory lane.

“I’m glad that he retained his belt but the thing is, his opponent didn’t want to fight him,” said Pacquiao. “It was like Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather.”

After forcing the world to wait countless years, Pacquiao and Mayweather faced off in what was considered, “the fight of the century.” Although neither man was at the top of their games, they were still considered pound-for-pound stalwarts.

The anticipation was thick and the attention on their showdown was high. But ultimately, in the mind of many, they produced a dud of an event. In total, Mayweather landed 148 of the 435 total punches he threw that night. Pacquiao, on the other hand, was less efficient, nailing Mayweather a total of 81 times while missing a combined 348 of his shots.

Unlike his countrymen, Pacquiao failed to pick up the win. But while he was thrilled that Casimero retained his super bantamweight title, in the end, Pacquiao wasn’t thrilled with the lack of action.

Posted on 08/13/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Most of the boxing world was left beside itself when it was announced that Errol Spence Jr. would be forced to withdraw from his showdown against Manny Pacquiao. The two were originally scheduled to face off on August 21st, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As Spence Jr. began putting the finishing touches on a grueling training camp, he made what he believed was a routine trip to the doctor’s office. Just a few short minutes later, it was revealed that the Dallas native had a torn retina and would be unable to face Pacquiao in his current condition. In an effort to keep the show going, current WBA belt holder Yordenis Ugas, who was set to make an appearance in the co-main event, has stepped in to replace Spence Jr.

Before the switch in opponents, newly inducted Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins pegged Spence Jr. as the likely winner. Now, with Ugas subbing in, the former two-division world champion believes Pacquiao will have a fairly easy night at the office.

“Pacquiao gets a knockout,” said Hopkins during an interview on Little Giant Boxing. “He’s no match for Pacquiao.”

Despite Hopkins expecting Ugas to wind up on his back at some point during his showdown with Pacquiao, the Cuban native has been on a roll as of late. Not only has the 35-year-old never suffered a knockout defeat but he’s picked up victories in 11 of his past 12 contests. His lone blemish came via a controversial split decision against Shawn Porter in March of 2019.

In spite of his current form, Hopkins simply has a hard time giving him the edge. In the case of Pacquiao, while 42 years of age, Hopkins still views him as one of the best fighters today.

In order to defeat the future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Hopkins is firmly of the belief that it takes a special fighter. As he juxtaposes Spence Jr. to Ugas, Hopkins breaks down their capabilities with the help of motor vehicles.

“You talking about a top of the line Ferrari which is Spence and compared to a high-end Mercedes, it can’t compete. Not in drag racing.”

Posted on 08/11/2021

By: Hector Franco

The boxing world imploded on itself the other day when it was announced that unified WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. (27-0, 21 KOs) would be withdrawing from his fight with Manny Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) that was scheduled to take place on August 21 due to a retinal tear in his left eye.

The fight was one of the most anticipated of the year and unfortunately added to the laundry list of fights that have been delayed or canceled in 2021.

Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas (26-4, 12 KOs), who was set to fight on the undercard, stepped in for Spence.

Ugas currently holds the WBA welterweight title and is ranked in the top five at welterweight by Ring Magazine and in the Transnational Boxing Rankings.

Pacquiao, who has been a professional boxer since 1995, took the change in opponent in stride.

“I am a politician,” Pacquiao stated after a workout in preparation for August 21. “I am used to dealing with changing stances. As for Ugas, I am happy that he stepped up to replace Errol Spence. Ugas is a champion with a strong Cuban boxing background. This is a big fight, and we will give the fans an exciting show.

“He was given my belt earlier in the year, but now we get to fight for it inside the ring. That is the proper way to become a world champion.”

While the fight with Ugas isn’t the event that a fight with Spence would have been, there is still a storyline involving the controversial sanctioning body, the WBA.

Earlier this year, the WBA removed Pacquiao’s status as its ‘super’ champion, which he earned by defeating Keith Thurman in 2019 due to inactivity and named him ‘champion in recess.’ Ugas, who held the ‘regular’ version of the title, was then elevated to ‘super’ status.

Ugas, who won a Bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics, won the ‘regular’ version of the WBA title when he outpointed Abel Ramos in September 2020.

For Ugas, the opportunity to fight someone like Pacquiao could be life and career-changing. Spence may have been ranked as the more accomplished fighter at welterweight and in a pound-for-pound sense, but the standout amateur could present Pacquiao with just as many problems.

The Cuban is an orthodox technician with an extensive amateur pedigree that includes winning the gold at the Pan American games in 2007.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Pacquiao, but I am coming to win this fight,” stated Ugas. “I’ve been in camp working hard with my coach Ismael Salas, and I know together we will come up with a masterful game plan to combat anything Manny will bring to the ring.”

Ironically, Pacquiao finds himself in the same position as his former late opponent Lehlo Ledwaba in June 2001.

With 10-days notice, Pacquiao famously stepped in for Enrique Sanchez to challenge for Ledwaba’s IBF super bantamweight title. In his first fight in the United States, Pacquiao dominated the South African en-route to a sixth-round stoppage.

The rest, as they say, is history.

The circumstances are slightly different, but Ugas finds himself in a situation to make history repeat itself.

“Everyone knows my story about how I came to America to follow my dreams of becoming a world champion,” said Ugas. “Now it’s time to stamp my legacy with a victory, as one of the best Cuban fighters to ever put on a pair of gloves.”

At 42, Pacquiao is aware that this could possibly be the last time he steps inside the squared circle. With a career spanning over 25-years, it’s unlikely that the fighting Senator will underestimate Ugas.

“This fight is not an easy fight,” Pacquiao stated during a virtual press conference. “Ugas is a champion, he took my belt, and we have to settle it in the ring.”

Boxing is often the theater of the unexpected. Ugas may not have been the opponent that fans have clamored for Pacquiao to face; however, we could see him with his hand raised in victory on August 21.

Posted on 08/11/2021

LAS VEGAS (August 11, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás previewed their championship showdown during a virtual press conference on Wednesday before they meet in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Ugás steps up to replace Errol Spence Jr. in the main event, as Spence recovers from an eye injury. Ugás had been preparing to make his first title defense in the co-main event and will now face the boxing legend Pacquiao in a career-defining fight, defending the same title that Pacquiao won when he defeated Keith Thurman in his last fight July 2019.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and MP Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

MANNY PACQUIAO

“I want to say that I’m praying for Errol to make a fast recovery from his injury. Health is always the priority and the most important thing. I did my best in training and in preparation for this fight, so I wanted to make sure my hard work was not wasted.

“Ugás was ready to fight and challenge me on August 21. So it’s a great thing that I can show off my hard work in the gym when we face each other on fight night.

“I’m not disappointed at all in what happened because my hard work will not be wasted. Ugás stepped up and is bringing his WBA championship into the fight, which I’m excited to fight for.

“I always consider myself a bipartisan boxer. I am happy to fight either right-handed or southpaw fighters. It’s no problem for me at all to switch the styles that I’m going to face.

“I have a lot of people around me that motivate me to win this fight, especially for my family. I’m also very motivated to give the fans a great fight that they’re going to enjoy in the arena or watching on pay-per-view.

“In the end, I want to win the belts. I’m so excited for this championship fight and I don’t care if I’m the challenger or champion coming into it. We’ll see who is the champion after August 21.

“I know that Ugás is also very prepared for his fight because he was going to be on the undercard. If there was no Ugás on the undercard, it’s possible we would have cancelled the fight. It’s a good thing we had another welterweight champion on the card for this scenario that happened.

“The only danger for this fight is the change in stance. Both Spence and Ugás are aggressive fighters, which I like. We can create a lot of great action in the ring that the fans will love.

“I would tell the fans not to miss this fight. This is going to be a really good one. I’m sure that me and Ugás are going to give a fight full of action. I’m excited to see everyone in Las Vegas on August 21.”

YORDENIS UGÁS

“I’m feeling great and super excited to fight on this big stage. I’m ready to go get in the ring on August 21. I couldn’t be more excited for this fight.

“When I got the call that I was going to face one of the best fighters in history, it just pushed my excitement to new highs. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’m capable of.

“I also want to wish Errol Spence Jr. a safe and fast recovery. I hope he gets healthy soon and we see him back in the ring.

“I’m used to taking fights at the last minute. It’s really nothing new to me. Once I knew I was fighting Pacquiao, I got right back to work, because I’m always ready to fight anyone they put in front of me.

“I got elevated to being the WBA champion in January, but now we can say that whoever wins on August 21 is the true WBA Welterweight World Champion.

“It’s all about making adjustments at this point. I’ve had a lot of experience doing this before fights. It’s happened multiple times, so I’m truly prepared at all times to adjust to whatever comes my way.

“Fighting Manny Pacquiao is very significant to me. It means the world to me. I’m not fighting for the money, I’m fighting for my legacy, and for my country. This is the most important fight of my life.

“I’m well-aware that Pacquiao is the favorite. But at the same time, I’m a champion. Since I came back five years ago, I’ve overcome so much. I’ve faced so many strong opponents in order to get to where I am today. I have full confidence in myself and my ability to get a victory.

“When I went away from boxing, I was focused on family and spending time with my son. At that time, I never thought I would be defending a title against Manny Pacquiao. But for the past five years I’ve been one of the most active and successful boxers out there and I’m ready to prove myself once again.

“I’m a fighter not only inside of the ring, but outside of the ring I fight for the freedom of my people. That’s the most important thing to me. I hope everyone fighting for freedom in Cuba is safe and knows that I’ll be fighting for them on Saturday, August 21.

“Underestimating Manny Pacquiao is out of the question. He’s going to be ready. I have prepared to face the best so that I can become the best.

“This is going to be a great fight for all the fans. I’m planning on leaving everything in the ring. I can guarantee an amazing fight. We’re going to give a big gift to the fans on August 21. I’m leaving my heart out there for all my fans.”

Posted on 08/10/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Errol Spence Jr. was just a few weeks away from taking on Manny Pacquiao in what he described as his “dream matchup.” Now, after a recent trip to the doctor, Spence Jr. will be forced to the sidelines.

What seemed to be a routine visit to the doctor’s office, turned out to be anything but as Spence Jr. was given devastating news.

“Unfortunately, the doctors found a tear in my left eye and said I needed to get surgery on it asap and that there was no way I could fight with my eye in that condition,” said Spence Jr.

Originally, Spence Jr. was elated when he was given the news that Pacquiao, a former eight-division world champion, was interested in fighting him. From there, both sides hammered out a deal that would see them face off on August 21st, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

With Spence Jr. officially on his way to the surgical room to repair a torn retina in his left eye, the unified welterweight titlist will have to bide his time on the sidelines as he recovers from his injury. As for Pacquiao, the 42-year-old future first-ballot Hall of Famer will still appear on the card. While he had hoped to take on Spence Jr., he will now face current WBA welterweight champion, Yordenis Ugas.

The 35-year-old Cuban native will be fully prepared as he was scheduled to make an appearance on the card in the co-main event against Fabian Maidana. With a victory, Pacquiao could regain the belt he once held.

After defeating Keith Thurman in July of 2019, Pacquiao snagged his WBA title in the process. The Filipino native’s championship status, however, was revoked recently as he failed to step back into the ring in over two years. Pacquiao was then placed as “Champion in Recess” while Ugas, who won the WBA “Regular” title against Abel Ramos, was elevated to full titleholder.

Although Spence Jr. was left devastated by the news, the unified welterweight champion looked on the bright side. In October of 2019, the Dallas product was flung from his high-powered sports car during a horrific wreck. While the vehicle itself was totaled, Spence Jr. left the scene with minor injuries.

Considering that he was able to bounce back from what appeared to be a fatal accident and went on to hand former two-division world champion Danny Garcia a one-sided beating during their December 2020 showdown, Spence Jr. is seemingly unfazed over his latest setback.

“I’ll be back,” said Spence Jr. “We’ve come back from worse.”

Posted on 08/09/2021

By: Hans Themistode

During the final few days before his showdown against Danny Garcia, Errol Spence Jr. regurgitated repeatedly that he was just fine. Having watched the Dallas native being flung from his sports car in October of 2019 during a horrific car wreck, the 31-year-old took his time in the recovery room.

In total, Spence Jr. spent over a year on the sidelines as he worked with trainer Derrick James on his timing, conditioning, mindset, and overall health. But while Spence Jr. would continue to tell reporters that he felt like his old self, behind the scenes, he was far from okay.

“I wasn’t right,” said Spence Jr. during an interview with Barbershop Conversations. “I wasn’t right at all. I can write a book about my whole training camp and stuff that was happening and going on. It was a lot of stuff. I just knew that he was going to have to be in a real dog fight to beat me.”

The dog fight that Spence Jr. was ultimately looking for, however, never took place as Garcia stood patiently on the outside and seldom threw combinations at the unified titlist. In the end, the Philadelphian suffered a one-sided decision loss.

In regards to his performance, Spence Jr. appeared proud to snag the victory. But all in all, he was expecting much more from the former two-division titlist.

“I knew I could outbox him easily. I thought he was going to throw punches, and come at me and have a lot of enthusiasm.”

With his matchup against Garcia in the rearview mirror, Spence Jr. is currently looking ahead. At the moment, the Dallas product is putting the finishing touches on an arduous training camp as he prepares to take on former eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. The two are slated to face off at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 21st.

As the day’s inch closer and closer, the issues that plagued Spence Jr. for his camp against Garcia are now a distant memory. With the biggest fight of his career rapidly approaching, Spence Jr. is confident that he’ll ultimately inflict the sort of damage that will see Pacquiao exit the sport of boxing for good.

“Now, I’m feeling strong as heck. I wanted to be as strong as I can to knock out Manny Pacquiao and send him off into retirement.”

Posted on 08/06/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Errol Spence Jr. had just finished putting his doubters to rest.

After being flung from his vehicle during a horrific car wreck in October of 2019, the Dallas native listened closely as both fans and pundits alike doubted his ability to make a successful return to the ring. The unified welterweight titlist quickly quieted any questions of his capabilities with a one-sided beating of former two-division world champion, Danny Garcia.

As Spence Jr. (27-0, 21 KOs) sat back and enjoyed his victory, his phone rang not long after. On the other line was an opportunity of a lifetime as he was informed that Manny Pacquiao was interested in facing him. Just a few short months later, it was revealed that the two would face off on August 21st, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

With their contest just a few weeks away, the powerful southpaw took the time to show appreciation.

“I’m very gracious to be in this position,” said Spence Jr. during an interview with Kate Abdo.

At the age of 31, Spence Jr. has quietly built one of the more impressive resumes in all of boxing. Wins over the previously mentioned Danny Garcia, coupled with victories over Shawn Porter, Mikey Garcia, Lamont Peterson and Kell Brook, have all netted Spence Jr. fame, notoriety and of course, world titles.

Still, despite the names he’s conquered throughout his career, Spence Jr. doesn’t bat an eye when asked where a matchup against someone the caliber of Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) ranks on his resume.

“This is definitely a defining fight in my career. He’s a future Hall of Famer and legend in the sport.”

Pacquiao’s long list of accomplishments is only accentuated by his most recent trip to the ring. In July of 2019, a 40-year-old Pacquiao faced off against a then undefeated titleholder in Keith Thurman.

After sending his man to the canvas in the opening round, Pacquiao brawled his way to a split decision victory. Watching from his ringside seat, Spence Jr.’s reverence for Pacquiao only grew. With that said, no matter how much love and admiration the Dallas product has for the future Hall of Famer, his face turns dead serious as he reveals the damage he intends on dishing out come August 21st.

“I can definitely punish a legend. Once the bell rings, the respect basically goes out the window. I’m the king of 147.”

Posted on 08/05/2021

By: Hector Franco

Manny Pacquiao has a chance to accomplish something he never has against Errol Spence Jr.

Coming up in just a few short weeks on August 21st, one of the most anticipated fights of the year will take place in the capital of combat sports in Las Vegas.

Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs), after two years out of the ring at 42 years of age, will take on unified WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. (27-0, 21 KOs) for the Ring Magazine and lineal welterweight crowns.

For all of Pacquiao’s list of accomplishments in boxing, one of the few that has eluded him is unifying titles in a weight class. The Filipino holds the record for winning titles in the most divisions in boxing history but has only participated in three unification bouts.

Following Pacquiao’s famously successful first fight in the United States in June 2001, where he bludgeoned Lehlo Ledwaba over six rounds to capture the IBF super-bantamweight title, he faced the Dominican Republic’s Agapito Sanchez in a unification match for the IBF and WBO 122-pound titles.

The fight took place in November 2001 in San Francisco as the main undercard bout to Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s final fight at 130-pounds against Jesus Chavez.

Unfortunately for Pacquiao, the fight was an ugly affair with numerous fouls from Sanchez, including two-point deductions for low blows. The fight was ultimately stopped due to head butts that caused a cut over the right eye of Pacquiao.

After six rounds, the fight went to the judge’s scorecards and was ruled a draw.

The next unification bout for Pacquiao took place a few years later in his first encounter with his greatest rival, Juan Manuel Marquez, in May 2004.

At the time, Pacquiao didn’t hold one of the four major titles at featherweight but held the Ring Magazine and lineal titles in the weight class by stopping Marco Antonio Barrera in a career-changing performance in 2003.

Heading into the bout, Marquez held the WBA and IBF featherweight titles.

Pacquiao and Marquez would put on a fight of the year contender, with Marquez surviving three knockdowns in the first round to work his way to a draw on the judge’s scorecards. The first three Pacquiao-Marquez fights are essentially all draws as there is an argument for either man coming out with his hand raised in victory.

The controversy of the match was highlighted by South African judge Burt Clements who scored the fight 113-113, scoring the first round 10-7 instead of 10-6 for Pacquiao. Usually, a slight discrepancy such as a difference in how one round is scored wouldn’t cause much controversy; however, Clements claimed that he didn’t know he could score a round 10-6. Had Clements been privy to scoring fights in Nevada, Pacquiao may have walked away the unified featherweight champion.

Finally, Pacquiao’s last unification match occurred in the most important fight of his career and the highest-grossing fight in boxing history against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in May 2015. The fight was to determine the best of a generation and was for the Ring Magazine, lineal, WBA, WBC, and WBO welterweight championships.

In a somewhat disappointing performance, Pacquiao, like all others, lost to Mayweather.

For Pacquiao to challenge a fighter like Spence Jr. at this stage of his career shows that he still feels that something is missing from his legacy. It’s unlikely that Pacquiao thinks about the minutiae of the exact number of world titles he has won or fought for, but the Filipino still has a need to prove something.

Pacquiao will enter the fight with Spence Jr. as a plus 170 underdog with height and reach disadvantages. For as much greatness he has achieved and garnered in his 25-plus year career, there is still a motivation for more.

“I got a lot of satisfaction beating Matthyse, Broner, and Thurman in a 12-month period, becoming the oldest man to win a welterweight title,” Pacquiao stated in an interview with The Sun in July. “Beating Errol Spence would be very special to me for all the obvious reasons and could elevate me into the discussion of being among the all-time greats in the sport.

“We have a lot of hard work left to do first for that to happen. To be at your best takes hard work. I want to win and show everyone I can still compete at the highest level. Errol Spence is not just one of the best welterweights; he is one of the best fighters. He is young, undefeated, and a world champion. He also wants to knock my head off.

“That is all the motivation I need.”

Posted on 08/05/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Freddie Roach watches carefully from his ringside seat in his nearly empty Wild Card gym. The Hall of Fame trainer leans across the ropes and observes as Manny Pacquiao continues to put his body through a grueling workout in preparation for his August 21st showdown against unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.

For the vast majority of Pacquiao’s career, the former eight-division world champion has more times than not, stepped into the ring as the prohibited favorite. This time around, oddsmakers have flipped the script as Spence Jr. is expected to leave their showdown with the victory. Despite the doubts, Roach is extremely confident in his fighter’s ability to get the job done.

Under normal circumstances, Roach would beat his chest and predict that Pacquiao will get the stoppage victory. However, with the Filipino native facing a much larger fighter, Roach doesn’t want the 42-year-old to engage in an all-out brawl.

“He knows that he’s gotta outbox this guy,” said Roach during an interview with Ray Flores. “His opponent is a little bit heavy on his feet and he isn’t a real good boxer but he’s a very, very good puncher.”

Spence Jr., 31, has gained a reputation of sorts over the past few years. With the Dallas native having the propensity for either ending fights before the final bell or hurting his opponents several times over, the unified welterweight titlist is considered a monster puncher for the weight class. In his most recent appearance in the ring, Spence Jr. outclassed former two-division world champion Danny Garcia before cruising to a unanimous decision victory.

At various times during their showdown, Spence Jr. appeared to rattle Garcia with huge shots. Admittedly, Roach watched closely as Spence Jr. dished out heavy damage to Garcia and everyone else he has stepped into the ring against.

While he isn’t budging from his notion that Pacquiao will pick up the win come August 21st, he does acknowledge that in order to do so, the 42-year-old senator will need to refrain from biting down on his mouthpiece and fighting fire with fire.

“When we get in the pocket with him, we land a quick combination but we need to get out of that pocket quickly because he will hit us back. In and out, combinations and really quick.”

Posted on 07/26/2021

By: Hans Themistode

The news of Manny Pacquiao taking on Errol Spence Jr. rocked the boxing world. Approximately two months ago, the former eight-division titlist revealed that he successfully worked out a deal behind the scenes to take on the current unified welterweight champion. The two are now slated to face off on August 21st, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

When asked what was the reasoning behind picking Spence Jr. amongst the bevy of options he had at his disposal, Pacquiao unveiled that he wanted a “real fight.”

Currently, long-time trainer of Pacquiao in Freddie Roach, is doing what he’s always done, whipping the Filipino native into the best shape possible. Although the Hall of Famer ultimately had no problem with Spence Jr. being Pacquiao’s final selection, if it was up to him, the pair would’ve gone in another direction.

“He wasn’t my first choice,” said Roach during an interview with Yahoo Sports. “I was leaning toward Mikey Garcia because he challenged us several times and so forth.”

Initially, Garcia appeared to have the inside track on a possible Pacquiao matchup. In fact, before Pacquiao’s fight announcement, Garcia guaranteed that he was taking on the future Hall of Famer later on this year. That, of course, proved to be untrue.

While Garcia may have been apoplectic with what took place, Spence Jr. was ecstatic over the news. The Dallas native has spent the past few years building one of the more impressive resumes in the welterweight division and craved a showdown with Pacquiao.

Since capturing the IBF title against Kell Brook in May of 2017, Spence Jr. has added the WBC belt to his collection. In doing so, he’s also taken down a who’s who of names including Shawn Porter, Lamont Peterson, the aforementioned Mikey Garcia and most recently, Danny Garcia.

Although Roach has confessed that his preferred choice was a matchup against Mikey Garcia and while the long time trainer respects pound for pound star and WBO welterweight titlist Terence Crawford, he acknowledges that Spence Jr. is the top name in the division.

“When Manny picked Spence, I said, ‘Congratulations, you picked the best guy out there.’”

Posted on 07/22/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Keith Thurman is still licking his wounds from his last ring appearance. The former unified welterweight champion hasn’t been seen in the ring since picking up the first loss of his career two years ago against Manny Pacquiao.

While Thurman continues to bide his time on the sidelines, Pacquiao is currently in the midst of training camp as he prepares for his return to the ring. The former eight-division world champion will face arguably the biggest test of his career when he takes on current unified 147-pound titlist, Errol Spence Jr. The two are slated to swap fists on August 21st at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Seemingly every few days, Pacquiao drops a new training video as he prepares to deal with his much younger opponent. While the Filipino native has stated that he feels refreshed and rejuvenated, Thurman believes that by the looks of Pacquiao’s training videos, his age is starting to show.

“I saw some mitt work from Pac Man, he looks a little slower this camp,” said Thurman during a self-recorded video. “I ain’t gonna lie, we all know he a little older, he looks a little slower.”

At the age of 42, Pacquiao has admitted that he isn’t able to push himself in training camp on a daily basis like in his younger years. Still, despite that, the future first-ballot Hall of Famer is confident in his ability to take down Spence Jr.

As for the unified champion from Dallas Texas, he’s ostensibly in the prime of his career. After surviving a horrific car wreck in October of 2019, he brushed aside a life-threatening crash and got right back to work. In December of 2020, Spence Jr. successfully returned to the ring and dissected former two-division titlist, Danny Garcia over the course of 12 rounds.

Thurman, 32, sat from his ringside seat as he watched Spence Jr. do whatever he wanted to Garcia, a man he also defeated by split decision in 2017. While Spence Jr.’s performance was nearly flawless, Thurman has openly criticized Garcia for failing to let his hands go and land something of consequence on the chops of Spence Jr.

Although he isn’t exactly a fan of the unified star, Thurman does expect him to pick up the win next month in Las Vegas. With that said, Thurman is hoping that Pacquiao is able to land one of his normally concussive blows at some point during the fight.

“I think he got what it takes but I hope he gives Errol something good. We all wanna see that chin get touched.”

Posted on 07/12/2021

Errol Spence Jr. arrives for Sunday’s press conference poised and focused on the day’s press activities. It is the first time the Unified champion and 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao will appear together to promote their August super fight.

Throughout his boxing journey, he’s succeeding where others have found difficult. Flanked by a harmonious team and strong support system, he maintains the same zen-like calm he’s known for. An inner peace that’s fueled by family, farm animals, and a desire to be an all-time great.

Now his full attention turns toward the fight he’s been pursuing since 2019. An opportunity against Manny Pacquiao, a guaranteed first-ballot Hall-of-Famer who will be remembered as an all-time great, no matter the outcome.

Once the press conference was complete, Errol Spence Jr. chatted with BoxingInsider.com beyond the usual camp and strategy questions. The WBC and IBF unified champion explain how he keeps his training harmonious, Pacquiao’s best wins, why farm life works for him and what he’s learned from his cadre of animals.

BI: Earlier, you were speaking about your father and trainers and how you navigate that. How have you been able to navigate those relationships so well during your career?

ESJ: I feel like a lot of fathers try to take the coach position, and the coach pushes back. For me, I make sure they’re separated. My father might tell me some stuff, and I take what I think is good. My coach might tell me some things I think is good, and if I don’t [think it’s good], I don’t do anything with it. It’s just two separate entities telling me two separate things.

BI: Earlier, I asked you about some of Pacquiao’s best wins. What is a great win for you? A lot of fighters when fights, but what’s a great win, in your opinion?

ESJ: I like to see the execution. I would say a great win for me is Bernard Hopkins versus Tito Trinidad. That was a great win for me.
He basically defeated a country. A lot of people would say that Trinidad was the favorite. Bernard came around and did his thing, perfected his strategy and beat him, and outpointed him.

BI: You look at Barnard, who fought into his 40’s. You’re about to fight a man in his 40’s. Is that a path that you envision for yourself? Do you want that type of trajectory where you are still a killer at 40? Or do you have a cut-off point?

ESJ: If I’m still beating young guys up, yeah, I’ll fight. I think if there comes a time if I get in the ring and somebody is beating me up, that’s not supposed to be beating me up, or I can’t get out of the way of punches, I’m going to retire.

I’m always smart with my finances and stuff like that so I can get out of the sport when I need to. So as long as I keep winning or it’s a close loss to somebody you could lose to, that’s acceptable, but if I’m losing to someone, I have no business losing to, or I get beaten up in sparring, it’s time to hang it up.

BI: This [the fight against Pacquiao] is a big fight. Lots of big fights don’t happen for whatever reason, even when fighters have the same management. Everyone thinks they know the business of boxing whether they work in it or not. What is the key to making a big fight that the outside doesn’t know?

ESJ: You have to know there’s definitely a lot of politics in boxing. A lot of tug of wars going on and things like that.

The easiest fights to get made are the fights in the same circle. That’s why Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter, Ugas, Pacquiao, everybody’s mixing it up because everybody’s under the same umbrella.

A lot of guys are not going out. You might get some guys like Matchroom that might be with Top Rank on the business side. It shouldn’t be like that, but there’s a lot of politics in boxing stopping big fights from happening.

BI: When fighters reach your level, some feel like they have to change their whole persona. You’ve maintained your same level-headed personality your entire career. Why has that formula worked for you?

ESJ: It is my mentality. I don’t get caught up in the hype at all. I’m the type of person that after a fight, my whole plan is to disappear. After this fight is over, I’m going unseen for two or three months.

House time, I’m with my kids, and I’m chilling, and I’m not trying to be bothered. I don’t care to be on camera, and I don’t even care to have my name mentioned. When the job calls, it’s time to do it. I’m not trying to be at the forefront of everything.

BI: With that chilling, you have children, farm life, and animals. You have horses. They seem to have brought you to a different level of peace and Zen. How do they help you? What can we learn from animals?

ESJ: One thing, it definitely gives me a lot to do. It keeps me busy, and horses give you peace of mind. I didn’t start riding horses until after my accident.

I moved outside the city lines, the outskirts and got a ranch and didn’t know anything about it. But I learned on the job, got cows and stuff like that. Horses are majestic a little bit. And you can learn a lot from them, especially patience. Something that big and that strong, you have to have patience. They can get spooked real fast and kick or anything.

BI: What was that first time riding a horse like? You are an athlete. Did you jump on the horse fearlessly?

ESJ: I was fearless, but I was still cautious. I jumped on a good, trained horse, so he didn’t do anything. He had a great temperament and stuff like that. But what yeah, I was kind of fearless because, you know, I’m an adventurous person, but it was different from what I used to because I first I was like, I wouldn’t even touch a horse or cow.

BI: Lastly, fans, in general, have a lot of respect for you. There are many factions on social media and fandom, but fans universally enjoy you, no matter who their affiliations. What do you say to those fans?

ESJ: I appreciate everybody’s support. I appreciate everybody letting me have my peace sometimes. I think a lot of people don’t understand I’m a kind of introverted person. So, I need my space.

And then now and then but, you know, I do like when it’s fight time, you know, I do, do I need to be done and do my interviews and stuff like that, but I enjoy my peace of mind. But I appreciate everybody staying with me and supporting me. It’s a great time, and I’m enjoying myself while I’m young and on top.

Manny Pacquiao vs Errol Spence Jr. takes place Saturday, August 21 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. For the full interview, please visit BoxingInsider’s YouTube Channel.

Posted on 07/11/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Floyd Mayweather figured them all out.

No matter the name, the newly inducted Hall of Famer analyzed what was in front of him on fight night, and found a way to unlock the puzzle they presented to him. Amongst the long list of fighters that Mayweather ultimately defeated during his 50-0 career, was none other than Manny Pacquiao.

With the 42-year-old now scheduled to take on unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. on August 21st, Mayweather has openly admitted that he is rooting against his long-time rival. In fact, Mayweather has gone as far as to say that he’ll be reaching out to Spence Jr. in the coming weeks to offer him advice.

Upon hearing the news, Pacquiao couldn’t control himself from laughing. While he respects Mayweather as a great fighter, he doesn’t believe there’s anything he can teach Spence Jr. at this stage.

“I don’t think he can give Errol Spence advice about technique,” said Pacquiao to several reporters. “Errol Spence is younger and he knows what he’s doing.”

During their 2015 showdown, Mayweather boxed a cautious fight against Pacquiao. Although there were several dull moments throughout, Mayweather successfully disarmed his man throughout 12 rounds. With that said, Pacquiao had his moments. In round four, the Philippine native avoided a right hand of Mayweather and landed a straight left of his own. From there, he unloaded with a barrage of punches, most of which were blocked.

Those moments of action, however, came few and far between as Mayweather picked his shots and banked rounds all night long. While it wasn’t viewed as the most exciting fight, Mayweather got the results he was looking for, a unanimous decision victory.

In the case of Spence Jr., Pacquiao is expecting a much different fight. The powerful southpaw is known for breaking his opponents down until he scores the violent stoppage win. In his most recent ring appearance, Spence Jr. relentlessly attacked former two-division champion, Danny Garcia. While he didn’t get the knockout victory, Spence Jr. dominated his man over the course of 12 rounds.

Pacquiao has taken the time to look closely at both men. On one end, Spence Jr. presents all-out action. On the other, he views Mayweather as not always fan-pleasing but highly effective. With the massive difference in their styles, Pacquiao simply doesn’t believe that Mayweather’s level of expertise is pertinent.

“He’s an aggressive fighter. That’s the kind of fight that the people want. He (Floyd Mayweather) can’t help.”

Posted on 07/11/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Errol Spence Jr. never took the easy route to where he is today.

The unified welterweight champion fought as an Olympian in 2012 then quickly took on a murderous row of fighters at the professional ranks. His time in the ring includes all out brawls against former champions such as Kell Brook and Shawn Porter to handing out one-sided beatdowns against the likes of former belt holders Danny Garcia and Mikey Garcia. In short, Spence Jr. has faced the biggest challenges and left the ring unscathed physically and unblemished in the win/loss column.

Yet, no matter how many impressive names are plastered to Spence Jr.’s resume, if he picks up the win against Manny Pacquiao on August 21st at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, there’s no doubt where that victory would rank in his book.

“That’s the biggest name that I would have on my resume and under my belt,” said Spence Jr. during an interview with ESNews. “There’s no bigger name than Manny Pacquiao in the boxing world.”

At the age of 42, Pacquiao (62-7-1, 39 KOs) also views Spence Jr. as an immense challenge. But, not one that he isn’t well equipped to handle. Just two years prior, the former eight-division belt holder took on another undefeated champion in Keith Thurman. On the night, Spence Jr. watched closely from his ringside seat as Pacquiao dropped his man in the opening round before ultimately pulling out a close split decision win.

Now, with the chance to face a living legend, Spence Jr. (27-0, 21 KOs) is firmly of the belief that a matchup against Pacquiao gives him the opportunity to come into his own.

No matter whom he’s facing, the unified Dallas product has always shown the utmost respect for his competition. With that said, the amount of reverence Spence Jr. has for Pacquiao is seemingly on another level.

Still, with a chance to permanently etch his name into the history books, Spence Jr. will continue to give Pacquiao his flowers. That is, until they officially step into the ring on fight night.

“It would be huge for Manny Pacquiao to pass the torch to me. Nothing but respect to him but once the bell rings, the respect goes out the door.”