ERROL Spence Jr. understands the magnitude of the challenges he’s facing in battling Manny Pacquiao.
“That’s a no-brainer (facing Pacquiao). He’s a future Hall of Famer. He’s a humongous draw. An all-time great. I definitely respect him,” Spence said yesterday (Sunday in the US) in an interview posted on YouTube.
The unbeaten Spence, who holds a record of 27 wins, 21 by knockout, is set to defend his World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation welterweight championships against Pacquiao in what promises to be a blockbuster on Aug. 21 (Aug. 22 in Manila) in Las Vegas.
The title match, which will be promoted by Premier Boxing Champions and televised on pay-per-view by Fox Sports, will mark Pacquiao’s return to the ring in over two years.
He hasn’t fought since beating Keith Thurman via a split decision for the World Boxing Association super welterweight crown on July 20, 2019 at the MGM Grand Arena. He has a record of 62 wins, 39 by knockout, against seven losses and two draws.
Rated the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Spence acknowledged that chalking up a convincing victory over the former eight-division champion would look good on his resume.
“Pacquiao is really a big name. An icon of the sport. Just to get into the ring and beat him.
It would look good on my resume and would be like a passing of the torch,” he noted. “Pacquiao is the biggest fight out there.”
At 5-foot-10, the reigning welterweight champ said he would enjoy a big advantage in height against the 5-foot-6 Filipino.
He said he would prepare for Pacquiao’s “herky-jerky” fighting style where the Filipino prizefighter throws power punches from unusual and unpredictable angles.
