Eight division world champion boxer Manny Pacquiao is set to make his much awaited return to the boxing ring on 21st August, but the veteran hints that it might be the last time he dons the gloves.
The 42-year-old Senator of the Philippines, who was last seen in action against Keith Thurman on 20th July 2019 and won the WBA (Super) welterweight belt, was removed from his status for his prolonged hiatus away from the ring.
The Senator of the Philippines was originally slated to break his hiatus against WBC and IBF welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr (27-0, 21 KOs) on 21st August, but Spence pulled out from the fight citing an eye injury.
Spence was replaced by Yodernis Ugas, the current WBA “Super” welterweight champ, who was elevated from the “Regular” status after Pacquiao was made WBA’s “Champion in Recess” due to prolonged inactivity.
I might as well finish the race with a spectacular performance: Pacquiao
While ‘PacMan’ is all confident to be getting back in the ring and even at his age, the veteran looks as sharp as ever, Pacquiao does admit that this could very well be his last boxing performance.
“I feel great. My team has full confidence in my capabilities even at 42 years old and they note that I still have what it takes to face elite caliber opponents,” Pacquiao said in an interview with Betway, “although the recuperation period of a 42-year-old may not be the same as a 25-year-old fighter, I still love what I am doing. I’m enjoying training and I’m learning more about myself everyday.”
“Everything is top secret, of course. I’m training and challenging myself daily and I am inspired to perform at my best owing to the fact that this might be my last fight. I’ve never given predictions. I always climb the ring ready and prepared for everything.”
Ugas, the Cuban pugilist who won the WBA (Regular) title against Abel Ramos on 6th September last year will now defend his “Super” title against Pacquiao this Friday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“Everything is at stake as this might be my last fight. I might as well finish the race with a spectacular performance. Legacies are subjective to the minds of the fans. Of course, a win for me after so long out would be very grand for my country and family,” added Pacquiao.
