Manny Pacquiao is finally returning to the ring in August. He will be facing undefeated American Errol Spence Jr on August 21, 2021, for the IBF and WBC welterweight titles. Pacquiao is fighting after a long time — he fought his last match in July 2019.
The Pacquiao vs. Spence match will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be an exciting match when the legendary Filipino returns to the boxing ring after a long sabbatical. The 42-year-old legendary boxer fondly called 'Pac Man' will come face-to-face with the 31-year-old 'The Truth' Spence Jr. Errol (the WBC and IBF titles holder in the welterweight division).
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Pacquiao v Spence Jr.: Date and Arena
Date: Saturday, August 21, 2021
Arena: The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
Rounds: 12-round welterweight bout
Pacquiao v Spence Jr.: How Is Everyone Reacting?
There was a mixed reaction coming from fans and pundits. There were two responses from most fans when they came to know about the Pacquiao vs. Spence match. Undoubtedly, the first reaction was of joy. The second was how the 42-year veteran would fight the 31-year-old undefeated champion in his prime. Everyone feels Spence Jr. is pretty big for the weight — in fact; he can be a bit too big for the 42-year-old Pacquiao.
But Pacquiao has been training very hard, and it looks like he has rolled back the years. He has been working out to make himself sharper and way faster, even in his 40s. It is inspiring for many fighters the way he is taking up the challenge even at this age.
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Pacquiao vs. Spence Jr. prediction
It would be too early to make Pacquiao vs. Spence’s prediction, especially when both fighters are world-class. It is difficult to predict who will win, but keeping everything in mind, it looks like the chances of Errol Spence Jr winning by a unanimous decision are high.
The legendary boxer Pacquiao has been inactive since he fought in 2019 and defeated Keith Thurman. With that victory, Pacquiao claimed the WBA (Super) welterweight title, which he kept until he was stripped by the WBA earlier this year due to inactivity. Spence Jr holds both IBF and WBC welterweight titles.
About Manny Pacquiao
Full Name: Manny Pacquiao
Nick Name: PacMan
Birthday: December 17, 1978
Age: 42 Years
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Place of Birth: Philippines
Height: 5'5" (165 cm),
Nationality: Philippines
Reach: 67″/ 170cm
Stance: southpaw
Residence: General Santos City, Cotabato del Sur, Philippines
Division: welter
Total fights: 71
Wins: 62
Losses: 7
Draws: 2
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Manny Pacquiao has truly transformed himself into a legendary boxer and an international superstar. It is his unforgiving fists and humble demeanor that has given him a unique identity. And, the best part is he is not showing any signs of slowing down even at this age. Pacquiao has won world boxing titles in as many as eight different weight divisions, and he is considered to be one of the best boxers in the world.
The Filipino world boxing champion started his career at the age of 16 in 1998. He won the WBC flyweight championship against Thailand's Chatchai Sasaki. In addition to that, he was elected twice to the House of Representatives of his country, and in 2016, he also won the Senate seat. Manny Pacquiao came from a very low-income family and lived on the streets of Manila after running away from home. Beginning at an early age, he rapidly progressed to become a world-class boxer. He is known for being one of the best pound-per-pound boxers of the decade.
Talking about the upcoming Manny Pacquiao vs. Errol Spence Jr. match, Pacquiao says, “Errol Spence Jr. does not have to take any advice from Mayweather. In fact, he is better than Mayweather and can even teach him fighting toe-to-toe.” He added, “I know it is going to take a lot of hard work for me to be at my best. This match can be another game-changer for my career. It will help me show my boxing skills once again and make everyone feel that I am still capable of competing at the highest level. He is undefeated, young, and a world champion— defeating him will work for my career. Errol is one of the best fighters, and I really want to give my best to it. And, he looks ready to knock my head off. It’s going to be an amazing experience.”
About Errol Spence Jr.
Full Name: Errol Spence Jr.
Alias: The Truth
Date of Birth: 3 March 1990
Age: 31
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Long Island, New York, United States
Nationality: American
Division: Welter
Stance: Southpaw
Height: 5′ 9½″ / 177cm
Reach: 72″ / 183cm
Residence: Desoto, Texas, USA
Total fights: 27
Wins: 27
Losses: 0
Draws: 0
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Errol Spence Jr. is currently one of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters. He started his professional career in 2012 when he fought as a welterweight fighter. In 2017, he won the IBF champion's belt, and in September 2019, he became the WBC welterweight champion. While Spence Jr. does not have a ton of experience like Pacquiao, he is one of those boxers who can stop his opponents in the early rounds. The southpaw has a lot of power, and he is capable of inflicting early damage to his opponents even before fans have settled down. While Pacquiao vs. Spence Jr’s prediction is tough to make at this point in time, it's going to be thrilling for sure.
Beginning his amateur career in 2005, Spence Jr. knew that his greatest strength was the speed that brought him all the success inside the ring. From 2009-2011, Spence Jr. became the amateur national champion. In 2009 & 2010, he obtained the Golden Gloves. Later in 2011, Spence Jr. lost in the quarterfinals of the World Amateur Boxing Championship. When he started his professional boxing career in 2012, he displayed his knockout ability after dominating Jonathan Garcia in the third round.
Talking about the upcoming Manny Pacquiao vs. Errol Spence Jr. match on August 21, Spence Jr says, “Manny Pacquiao is a big name in the boxing world. And I know that I am capable of defeating him. But for me, it’s more about winning this fight.”
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Pacquiao v Spence Jr: Undercard