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LAS VEGAS – MARCH 19: Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines is shown with a cut above his right eye inflicted by Erik Morales of Mexico during the World Super Featherweight Championship at the MGM Grand Hotel on March 19, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Erik Morales of Mexico won 15-13 over Pacquiao by unanimous decision. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS – MARCH 19: Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines is shown with a cut above his right eye inflicted by Erik Morales of Mexico during the World Super Featherweight Championship at the MGM Grand Hotel on March 19, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Erik Morales of Mexico won 15-13 over Pacquiao by unanimous decision. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
In preparation for his return to the ring, Manny Pacquiao has been going hard at the Wild Card Boxing gym. He is now looking forward to facing Errol Spence Jr in the ring on August 21. The Schmo recently interviewed ‘The People’s Champ’.
They talked about why he is fighting the top-ranked IBF and WBC welterweight champion after being away for nearly two years. Pacquiao explained that he only wants to fight the best in the sport and that he wants to challenge his own abilities.
Watch this story – Top 5 Fan Favorite Boxers of All Time: Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquiao, and More
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The Schmo also asked Manny Pacquiao about his ‘Mount Rushmore’ of boxers in the 40 years and above age range. While the Schmo added Pacquiao’s name to the draw, the humble eight-division champ laughed it off. He revealed that George Foreman, Evander Holyfield, and ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson are some of his favorite boxers of all time.
Read More: Manny Pacquiao Challenges Floyd Mayweather in a 5v5 Basketball Match
Manny Pacquiao vs Errol Spence Jr: Fight Preview
Manny Pacquiao has faced many opponents through 71 career bouts. The eight-division champion has 62 wins and 7 losses. The champ is a skillful boxer, has world-class movement, footwork, defense and throws damaging shots.
He is coming off a split decision win over Keith Thurman in 2019; many boxing purists believe it was a very close fight. Hall of fame coach Freddy Roach at Wild Card Boxing believes that Errol Spence is not as challenging as Keith Thurman.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 09: Manny Pacquiao celebrates after defeating Timothy Bradley Jr. by unanimous decision in their welterweight championship fight on April 9, 2016 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
However, Keith Thurman predicts Spence will secure a straight win over Pacquiao on August 21. ‘The Truth’ is an undefeated welterweight champion with 27 clean wins with 21 knockouts. While Pacquiao has faced all kinds of fighters throughout his career, Errol Spence Jr has some clear advantages.
The Pacman is the shorter opponent, has a reach of 170 cm. On the other hand, Spence is nearly 4 inches taller than him and has a 183 cm reach.
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Errol Spence Jr recently revealed his approach towards the Pacquiao fight. He shared he will aim to remain focussed throughout the fight while capitalizing on his height and reach.
“I need to make sure I am 100% focused from the 1st to the 12th round, and locked in for each three minutes to fight and dictate the pace. My height is going to be important as much as I make it. If I use my range and my distance it will make it important as much as he comes in and tries to fight. I have to negate what he tries to do,” said Errol Spence Jr.
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Fans might get to see Spence trying to gauge and maintain distance at all times in order to connect effectively and attempt knockouts. To counter this approach, Pacquiao could try to close that distance to not miss shots and to avoid striking inaccuracy. How do you see this fight playing out?
Also Read: Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao Extends Support to Simone Biles: “Once a Champion, Always a Champion”
