Manny Pacquiao’s legacy in boxing is already assured. The eight-division champion has continually pushed the boundaries of greatness in a barely believable 26-year career, but insists he has at least one glory night remaining.
The Filipino fight legend faces WBC and IBF welterweight king Errol Spence, ranked by many observers as the No.1 fighter at 147lbs, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on August 21, determined to roll back the years after a 25-month hiatus.
Now 42, the ageless Pacquiao sought the best challenge available as he winds down his hall of fame career. He believes he holds crucial edges over unbeaten Texan Spence.
“I’m expecting a good fight. Spence is an aggressive fighter and I know that we can create a lot of action in the ring for all of the fans watching. I have lots of advantages in this fight. My speed and power, along with my strategy and experience, are all advantages for me,” said Pacquiao at a media workout on Wednesday.
“I never imagined being at this point now, when I started my career. Especially to be here now and still fighting the best. It’s truly a gift that I’ve received. It’s been two years since I’ve been in the ring and it was good for me to have that rest. It helped my body and my mind a lot. This time around, I’m as excited as ever and feeling like I’m young again.
“I could have fought several easy opponents. I picked the best opponent because I want to add more to my legacy and accomplishments. I have to prove that I’m not done yet. We have a strategy that we know how to use against a southpaw. He wants to fight toe-to-toe and that’s going to be to my advantage. We’re prepared for anything. If he wants to use his reach advantage instead, we are ready.
“This could be my last fight, or there could be more. Like I’ve always said, it’s one at a time. After the fight, I’ll talk about the plan and see if there’s another fight coming. I know my career will not last forever, that’s why I’m starting to help the young fighters in this sport who want to follow in my footsteps. It’s very important to me at this point in my career.”
Main image: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions.