Sports
“Just Doing the Job”: Manny Pacquiao Reacts to Dropping Sparring Partner in Training
Throughout his career, Manny Pacquiao has shown exceptional striking speed, world-class movement and effective footwork. His skills have helped him rack up 62 wins in 71 professional bouts and hold titles at eight different weight classes. While ‘The People’s Champ’ knows his way around out-scoring his opponents, his professional record shows that he is not a big knockout artist. However, it seems like that narrative might soon change in his next pro-fight.
After defeating Keith Thurman in 2019 by split decision, the 42-year-old is still shooting for gold. Manny Pacquiao is now all set to return to the ring on August 21 against the WBC and IBF welterweight champion, Errol Spence Jr. Freddie Roach believes that the Filipino Senator is now better than ever before. He also revealed that Pacquiao recently dropped a sparring partner twice in training and that he looked like Manny Pacquiao from ten years ago.
Watch this story – Top 5 Fan Favorite Boxers of All Time: Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquiao, and More
When asked about his thoughts on dropping his sparring partner in training at 42, Pacquiao responded by saying that it was just a part of his training camp. He added they are happy and are putting in the work to secure a win on August 21.
“Just doing the job and focus on training, it’s part of the preparation, a part of training camp. We’re happy, doing our job, hard work, and discipline,” said Manny Pacquiao.
Can Manny Pacquiao defeat Errol Spence Jr?
Coming into this fight, Manny Pacquiao is the more experienced fighter. Having faced big names in the sport like Floyd Mayweather, Adrien Broner, and Juan Manuel Marquez, Manny Pacquiao has an extensive understanding of the sport. His last fight against Keith Thurman was a very close call, as Pacquiao won by a split decision.
Despite his opponent’s extensive in-ring background, 31-year-old Errol Spence Jr is one of the most skillful fighters in the division. Compared to Pacquiao, Spence is the more active fighter as he is coming off a unanimous decision win over Danny Garcia in December 2020.
While Manny Pacquiao’s team feels Keith Thurman was a tougher challenge than what Errol Spence will be, the current champion cannot be overlooked. Errol Spence Jr is a skillful fighter and is smart with his striking and movement. He likes to assess his opponents’ game plans and adjusts his own game plan accordingly.
With a 77 inch reach and 5 ft 9½ inches in height, he towers over the Filipino Senator. He can maintain distance and keep Pacquiao out of the pocket at all times with his reach advantage. In order to connect effectively, the eight-division champ will have to create angles and close the distance. Manny Pacquiao has faced similar challenges while fighting Keith Thurman and could implement counter-measures.
It will be interesting to see if the 42-year-old still has what it takes to be at the top of the game. Pacquiao is clearly taking this seriously and is determined to get his hand raised on August 21. Do you think “The People’s Champ” has what it takes to get past the welterweight champion?
Also Read: Manny Pacquiao Challenges Floyd Mayweather in a 5v5 Basketball Match
The post “Just Doing the Job”: Manny Pacquiao Reacts to Dropping Sparring Partner in Training appeared first on EssentiallySports.
