At 46 years of age and with a brand new combat on the horizon towards Mario Barrios on July 19, the legendary Manny Pacquiao continues to be making headlines. Removed from the tranquility that many would count on from a determine of his standing, “Pac-Man” has as soon as once more ignited the flame of controversy with a latest interview for Covers.com, by which he not solely praises Jake Paul, but additionally launches a frontal problem to his outdated nemesis, Floyd Mayweather, accusing him of cowardice.
Pacquiao, one of the vital revered figures in boxing historical past, proves that his combating spirit stays intact, though typically his statements sound like a mix of a comeback try and a midlife outburst. His capacity to generate dialog and maintain the deal with himself is undoubtedly as potent as his legendary left hand.
With out beating across the bush and straight from the primary line of the interview, Pacquiao reignited what was the most important and for a lot of, most disappointing rivalry in trendy boxing. His message to “Cash” Mayweather was clear and provocative: “I do not assume Floyd Mayweather will combat me once more, he is scared to demise to combat once more, that is what I believe,” he mentioned.
A rematch that by no means got here, for now
Pacquiao’s assertion comes a decade after his first and solely encounter towards Mayweather, thought-about on the time as “the combat of the century”, however which ended up being an overrated combat for a lot of. Regardless of the time that has handed and Mayweather’s clear victory in 2015, Pacquiao insists on a rematch, suggesting that Floyd’s evasion is because of real concern.
“It is an enormous combat (between Mayweather and me) however there are lots of causes or alibis why he did not do it. Many excuses, I assume,” Pacquiao added.
Respect for Jake Paul
In an surprising twist, boxing Corridor of Famer Manny Pacquiao additionally devoted phrases of respect to Jake Paul, the influencer who has efficiently ventured into skilled boxing. His feedback have generated shock and a few controversy inside the boxing neighborhood.
“I respect Jake Paul’s ardour to pursue his profession in boxing, he has expertise. He can combat, so why not give him a world rating?” Pacquiao mentioned.
This assertion has been seen by some critics as an insult to conventional boxers who battle to make their manner up the world rankings. The point out of Pacquiao, nonetheless, underlines Paul’s rising affect on the game.