Manny Pacquiao has confirmed that he will combat Errol Spence Jr. on August 21st of this year. According to the former eight-division champion, he will face Spence for the WBC and IBF welterweight championships.
Pacquiao’s most recent fight was in July 2019 against Kieth Thurman. He won a split decision over the American to win the WBA (Super) welterweight championship.
Pacquiao announced his boxing match against Spence on Twitter recently. The 42-year-old tweeted a poster of his upcoming fight, revealing that the two will meet in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 21, 2021.
Spence has a perfect 27-0 record in the ring and is yet to be defeated. ‘The Reality’ has 21 knockouts and is regarded as one of the strongest pound-for-pound boxers in the world.
Spence’s most recent bout was against Danny Garcia. He won a unanimous decision over the former light welterweight champion to retain a pair of welterweight championships.
Pacquiao hoped to tackle McGregor in a superfight
Pacquiao said that he wanted to fight Conor McGregor in 2021 before agreeing to a contract with Spence Jr. However, following the Irishman’s defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257, the likelihood of a McGregor-Pacquiao fight started to dwindle.
“I am open to it all, ready for it all. I will certainly attain a boxing world title before I call it a day. And I would be excited to do that against Emmanuel Pacquiao. They’re (Spence and Crawford) my options, but right now I want to experience fighting an MMA (mixed martial artist),” Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao congratulated Poirier on his victory following UFC 257, effectively putting an end to his battle with McGregor.
“Beautiful thing about the fight game, anything can happen! Congrats to @DustinPoirier Huge win! #UFC257,” Pacquiao wrote on his Twitter handle.
Pacquiao’s willingness to fight Spence Jr. at the age of 42 reflects well on his character. If he is defeated by the WBC and IBF welterweight champions, the great boxer’s legacy may be jeopardised.