On Sunday evening, Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence Jr. formally met for the first time since announcing their welterweight showdown. Meeting at FOX Studios, the two participated in the standard staredown and spoke about what the fight means for their respective careers.
“There was a lot of opportunity to pick a — not easy fight, but a much easier fight compared to Errol Spence,” Pacquiao said about his decision to Spence Jr.
“But I decided to pick Errol Spence because I want to give a good fight to the fans, I want a real fight. I’m a fighter and boxing is my passion.”
One of the main takeaways from the first press conference involving the two was that their is a major size difference. Spence Jr. is four inches taller and potentially 20-25 pounds heavier on an average day. Given his size advantages, skill and youth, many expect him to beat Pacquiao and possibly knock him out. While the Texas native is confident in his ability, he respects Pacquiao’s power and experience and will not go for the knockout unless it comes to him.
“I definitely have the ability to finish him, but for me it’s about winning the fight,” Spence Jr. explained.
“It’s to stay focused and win the fight. When you go out there and rush it and try to go for the knockout, I feel like from my experience, even in the amateurs, you look sloppy and something goes wrong. You look like you’re trying too hard. For me it’s to go have my fight at my pace. If the knockout comes, go for it. If not, go for the victory.”
Spence Jr. will have an opportunity to follow through on his words when the two meet at T-Mobile Arena on August 21, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
PACQUIAO AND SPENCE STAREDOWN! ?#PacquiaoSpence | AUGUST 21 FOX PPV | @MannyPacquiao @ErrolSpenceJr pic.twitter.com/lVfLtDXaa7
— FOX Sports: PBC (@PBConFOX) July 11, 2021
