Manny Pacquiao, one of the best boxers of all time, hasn’t put down his gloves for good after all. The 42-year-old fighter will return to the ring after two years of absence on August 21st to fight IBF and WBC welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr.
Pacquiao confirmed the news on his social media on Friday.
Reportedly, both boxers already signed on to fight, while the venue remains unknown at the moment.
After the news broke out, Manny Pacquiao Promotions president Sean Gibbons told ESPN that Pacquiao wanted to face Spence as he still wants to fight the best.
“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,” Gibbons added, alluding to Mayweather’s upcoming exhibition fight against controversial YouTube star Logan Paul. “He’s always fought the best, and he doesn’t want to change now.”
Manny Pacquiao is entering the fight against Spence with a 62-7-2 record as a pro. He had his last fight in 2019 against Keith Thurman, winning via split-decision and defending his WBA title. Pacquiao, who also has a political career as Senator of the Philippines, was stripped of his title due to inactivity in January 2021.
Spence, on the other hand, is undefeated in his 27 fights as a pro. He knocked out 21 opponents, while six matches finished via decision. The 31-year-old American has been IBF champion since 2017 and WBC champion since 2019.
