Everything you need to know about Manny Pacquiao vs. Errol Spence Jr.
Manny Pacquiao recently dropped a massive bombshell when he announced he will challenge undefeated WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. this summer. Their bout is sure to be the biggest fight of 2021, and we have all the details you need to know before they step into the ring.
Manny Pacquiao is stepping back into the ring vs. Errol Spence Jr. this August. https://t.co/N3qkX8GZYY pic.twitter.com/QhWMtaNFaD
— theScore (@theScore) May 21, 2021
Where is Pacquiao vs. Spence happening?
Pacquiao vs. Spence is scheduled for Saturday, August 21. The event will be taking place in Las Vegas as a Fox pay-per-view event, but no formal announcement regarding the venue, start time, or undercard has been made.
What should fans expect on fight night?
Las Vegas will host a blistering fight that may serve as a passing of the torch from boxing’s living legend to one of its brightest stars. Despite being out of the ring for two years, Pacquiao showed no signs of taking it easy in his career when he settled on facing the undefeated Spence, hoping to propel his legacy even further.
Unified Champ @ErrolSpenceJr returned back in December after a long layoff, due to a car accident, and defeated Danny Garcia 👌
— FOX Sports: PBC (@PBConFOX) May 21, 2021
(Spence will now defend his belts against a legend in Manny Pacquiao on August 21) pic.twitter.com/prbp2OHDi1
Spence showed no ill-effects of a devastating car crash that put his career on hold when he picked Danny Garcia apart with the accuracy of a world-class surgeon. Because Pacquiao and Spence work behind their punching power and expansive skill set, it would be disappointing if this fight fails to deliver in the action category.
Why did Pacquiao choose Spence?
Since his win over Keith Thurman in 2019, Pacquiao has been linked to Mikey Garcia, Terence Crawford, Ryan Garcia, and even Conor McGregor. Spence had been considered the bridge too far for the aging veteran, but Pacquiao shocked the world with the announcement.
It is the most logical and lucrative choice for Pacquiao at this stage of his career. With Spence becoming a popular draw and a pay-per-view attraction, he’ll be worth the potentially insurmountable trouble he’ll present to Pacquiao. For all the guts and glory that make up Pacquiao’s mystique, this all comes down to money.
Spence is in position to end an era
Because Floyd Mayweather retired undefeated, only coming back for sideshow exhibitions and the pay it brings, Pacquiao is the last man standing of his era. Boxing has moved away from the "passing of the torch" fights of yesteryear, where legends were ushered out of their spot by the new blood, but Pacquiao keeps putting himself in this position.
Should Spence win, he’ll no doubt be forever elevated for closing out the career of one of the sport’s most beloved competitors.
Pacquiao is set to be a considerable underdog
When Pacquiao faced Thurman, he started off as a slight underdog and eventually became a late favorite by the night of the fight. That isn’t going to be the case here.
Pacquiao may not be more than a +300 underdog come fight night due to his legion of fans and bettors looking for a quick buck, but he’s up against it.
Continue checking TwinSpires Sports regularly as odds will be posted soon.
ADVERTISEMENT