The 39-year-old Manny Pacquiao is currently gearing up for his 69th professional bout. In an era where so many fighters fight less and less frequently in comparison with the era’s that went before them.
Pacquiao is a throwback fighter, he has earned enough money and amassed one of the most stellar reputations a fighter has ever had, arguably ever.
But ‘The Pacman’ is a fighter who just cannot say no to a fight. He has now claimed that his desire to fight has not diminished and he expects it will not be the final professional bout of his career.
Now literally a living sporting legend, Pacquiao has reflected on his career and shared what he wants his lasting legacy to be. While ‘The Pacman’ says he doesn’t want people to focus too much on his ring accomplishments. Pacquiao says it is more important that people remember he was ‘a good person.’
“I want them to remember me after my career not only as a champion but as being an inspiration to everyone, being a good person,” he told BBC Sport.
Pacquiao says he is using his upcoming fight as a barometer to show the fans how much he has left.
“This is not my last fight. It’s one to prove that I am still there in boxing and that my career is not over yet;” Pacquiao concluded.
Pacquiao is also set to enter his first professional bout in sixteen years without head trainer Freddie Roach if the speculation is to be believed despite Pacquiao’s recent claims that he hadn’t made a final decision on the Eddie Futch protegee.
“That’s Manny’s decision. Manny has told me Buboy will be handling the training on this fight,” Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz told ESPN earlier this month.
“What’s important to Manny is that he has one voice to listen to in the corner that he trusts, and I guess that’s Buboy for this fight;” Koncz added.
Pacquiao will challenge Matthysse for his WBA welterweight world title in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in July. The Argentine says he is ready to fight the ‘future Hall-of-Famer and acknowledges the fight will not be easy.
“This is the fight I have always wanted. The opportunity to fight a future Hall of Famer such as Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao inspires me to work harder than ever to earn a victory for my fans.”
“I know that it will not be easy. But I will defend my title with honour and represent my country Argentina with pride,” said Matthysse.
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