Boxing

Manny Pacquiao announces his next fight against Errol Spence Jr.

by
Ayush Harsh
May 23, 2021

Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao said he’ll fight unbeaten unified welterweight world champion, Errol Spence, in Las Vegas in August.

The 42-year-old legend will be fighting for the first time since he beat Keith Thurman in July 2019 for the WBA welterweight title.

He revealed his plans with a Twitter post of a promotional poster for the bout captioned “Pacquiao v Spence, August 21, 2021, Las Vegas, Nevada”.

pic.twitter.com/lgwAS5J8c2

— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) May 21, 2021

The bout will be available via Fox pay per view. The venue will likely be the MGM Grand, according to The Athletic. Though Pacquiao told the website he hoped the fight would be at the Raiders’ home, Allegiant Stadium.

Pacquiao said, “I love to challenge the top guy. He’s not going to make a fool of himself fighting YouTubers or social media guys like Floyd Mayweather is, and he wants to continue his legacy. He’s always fought the best, and he doesn’t want to change now.”

Spence Jr. is still undefeated in the boxing ring and has a perfect 27-0 record. ‘The Truth’ has 21 knockout finishes and is one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world.

Spence’s last fight was against Danny Garcia. He defeated the former light-welterweight champion via a unanimous decision to retain a pair of welterweight titles.

Manny Pacquiao VS Conor McGregor: a super fight that did not happen

Before working out a deal with Errol Spence Jr., Manny Pacquiao said that he was looking to fight Conor McGregor in 2021. However, following the Irishman’s loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257. The chances of a potential McGregor vs. Pacquiao bout began to diminish.

After UFC 257, Manny Pacquiao congratulated Poirier for his win, and consequently shut the door on his fight with McGregor.

Pacquiao’s willingness to fight Spence Jr. at the age of 42 speaks volumes about his character. The legendary boxer could potentially put his legacy at risk if he succumbs to a defeat against the WBC and IBF welterweight champion.