Errol Spence Jr has rejected the idea of a fight with Manny Pacquiao, recently floated by the man himself.
The retired fighter turned politician gave an interview in which he said he would be happy to face today’s champions to provide a test unlike any other. ‘Pac Man’ is regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, and retired in 2021 after a wildly successful professional career.
Despite the offer, Spence told ES News that he wouldn’t face Pacquiao.
“I wouldn’t fight him. Larry Holmes is one of the greatest heavyweights. He doesn’t get the respect. How he beat Muhammad Ali – he f***ed him up. I think it’s because of that.”
Fans only have to look at both mens’ most recent fight professional fight for a good comparison. In 2021, Yordenis Ugas put his WBA Welterweight belt on the line against the former eight-division champion. He beat Pacquiao by unanimous decision.
In April of 2022, Ugas sought to unify his title with Spence’s WBC and IBF straps. The Cuban who had just beat ‘Pac Man’ was knocked out in the 10th round.
So Spence’s view that the Filipino legend may just be too old is a solid one – and his reference to Larry Holmes’ knockout over a declining Muhammad Ali in 1980 after two years out of the ring is pertinent.
Besides, fans would much rather see Spence in the ring with one Terence Crawford, the welterweight division’s other champion.
Despite negotiations seemingly coming close recently, things fell apart, and if it’s to happen in 2023 it looks to be towards the end given Spence’s recent involvement in a car crash has put him off entering the biggest fight of his life next.