Say the name and you're certain to elicit a response.
The vast majority would label him a generational superstar, owing to a championship run that has won him sanctioning body recognition in seven weight classes.
Even those who dismiss some of his accomplishments must admire him for pursuing greatness less than six months before his 43rd birthday.
His prey this time? Errol Spence Jr.
The 31-year-old Texan is undefeated in 27 bouts, has stopped 21 opponents before the final bell, and has defeated five incumbent or ex-champions in his six 147-pound championship contests.
Pacquiao, then a flyweight, won his first jewel-encrusted belt when he was 8 years old.
Still, the unlikely rivals will meet on Aug. 21 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Spence's IBF and WBC belts will be on the line as part of a Fox Sports PPV event that begins at 9 p.m. ET.
According to DraftKings' linemakers, the incumbent is a minus-220 favorite, which means a $220 bet on Spence would yield a $100 profit if he successfully defends his championships. Meanwhile, Pacquiao is plus-170 and would repay $170 for a $100 bet if he pulls off the shock.
And the Filipino seems to be aware of the job ahead of him.
“You cannot overlook Errol Spence,” Pacquiao told Boxing Scene.
“He is a genuine champion who is also extremely gifted. He is taller and younger than I am. Everyone I battle these days appears to be taller and younger than me. He throws a lot of punches.
“I believe Errol Spence to be one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters, and when you meet someone on that list, he becomes the toughest challenge of your career. It's a renowned battle. I have just as much to prove in this battle as he does. It's a genuine battle, and it's what makes boxing great.”
Pacquiao started the U.S. part of his training camp with longtime colleague Freddie Roach earlier this month in California, and Boxing Scene got up with him in Los Angeles last week to discuss his preparation for Spence, his strategy now that he's in his 40s, and his long-term career goals.
Boxing Scene: We're back. You're 42 years old and climbing the world's most difficult peak. Why and how, in your opinion, is this possible? So many other boxers at this age, even if they desire to continue fighting at a high level, are physically unable to do so. Is it a gift you were born with that has enabled you to live so long? Is it due of things you do or things you don't do?
Manny Pacquiao: It's both. God has given me with excellent health. It is a gift. But, like any gift, I cherish it and take care of myself. I prefer to remain active. I play basketball every day, sometimes up to four games a day. It's fun for me and keeps me in shape. I always arrive at training camp in great condition. Training camp should be used for training, fitness, and strategy, not to lose weight. You waste too much precious time by not arriving to training camp in good condition.
Boxing Scene: A Crawford bout appeared to be on the horizon a few months ago. Then it became Spence and was done in an instant. Was Crawford ever on the verge of becoming a movie star? Did any discussions take place in order to make that battle happen? Do you consider Spence or Crawford to be the most formidable welterweight opponent? Why?
Pacquiao: The only thing that counts is the fight that was produced. I don't want to draw parallels since both are great boxers. I decided that the most important match would be against Errol Spence. It helped that I was ringside in Dallas to see Spence fight Mikey Garcia. He has a lot of admirers.
Boxing Scene: I've met with several experienced fighters in their 30s and 40s, and they've spoken about changes in how they feel and how they prepare. How do you do things differently at 42 than you did five or ten years ago? Is the preparation different? Do you think your fight-night performances have improved?
Pacquiao: I listen to my body. When I was younger, I believed the only way to train was to go all out every day for three to four hours in the gym, including morning runs in Griffith Park up to the Hollywood sign in an all-out sprint. I now pay attention to my body. If I feel I need a day off to allow my body to recuperate after a strenuous exercise, I take the day off, always with Freddie's permission. I don't feel old. I'm feeling strong and healthy, and I'm looking forward to walking into the ring on fight night. I still like the competition. I am always happy to fight as a Filipino in order to bring respect and glory to the Philippines.
Boxing Scene: I've spoken to a number of boxers about how they approach a contest tactically. Some people study as much video as they can of an opponent and devise a strategy based on what the opponent typically does or does not do. Others, on the other hand, watch minimal video and instead adopt the attitude, "I do what I do, and he'll have to adapt to me." Spence, whose side are you on and why?
Pacquiao: I was ringside when Errol Spence fought Mikey Garcia, and I have seen some video, but for the most part, I concentrate on being the best I can be physically and psychologically, since strategy and watching tape are worthless if I am not at my best. On strategy, Freddie and I have always collaborated. Every training camp, we exchange a lot of ideas. But the most essential thing is that I complete every sit-up, punch every punch, and run every mile every day. Never scrimp on quality. It all comes down to perseverance.
Boxing Scene: People have been questioning you for years about your political ambitions and if they distract you from the combat part of your profession. I've heard the responses before, but I'm wondering whether the current problems with Mr. Duterte and your position within your political party make it any more difficult to navigate during training this time? How can you tell one from another?
Pacquiao: I've always been a good time manager. I am able to separate my training responsibilities from my legislative responsibilities and family life. During training camp in Los Angeles, I am on Zoom after midnight, attending sessions with staff and the Senate for many hours everyday. I simply need to stick to a routine that enables me to make the most and greatest use of my time. I'm never at recess.
Boxing Scene: How crucial is how you're perceived? I know a lot of boxers claim they don't pay attention, but a lot of others do. Where do you fall on the scale? And five years from now, what do you hope people will say about Manny Pacquiao's career? And what do you hope they wouldn't say?
Pacquiao: I would have stated a few years ago that I was pleased with my boxing status and accomplishments. Now I'm not so sure. Perhaps it's my age or experience, but I value each recent battle I've had since each one might be my last for a variety of reasons. Before the pandemic shut everything down, I was extremely pleased of the run of welterweight championship wins I had in a 12-month span — Lucas Matthysse, Adrien Broner, and Keith Thurman. I became the oldest guy to win a welterweight championship. It's almost as if I've had many boxing careers, and the one I'm in now makes me wonder whether, if I keep winning against elite-level opponents, I'll be considered one of the best fighters of all time rather than one of the greatest fighters of my period. Of course, it is not for me to determine, but I would want to make my case before I retire.
Boxing Scene: Obviously, you wouldn't have accepted this fight unless you believed you could win. So, why do you think you'll win? What can you accomplish that Spence won't be able to match, and what will the fight look like in August if things go right for you?
Pacquiao: I'm not going to reveal my plan. This is going to be a fantastic battle for the fans. Two southpaw fighters with similar aggressive fighting techniques. There is no “B Side” in this battle. We're going to bring out the best in each other, and you can't ask for anything more. It is a bout that will return boxing to the top pages. Yes, I believe I have a chance to win. That is something I believe in for every battle. But this one is different because I need to wage the right battle. Literally. I can't make a mistake. The actual difficulty is to execute the game plan flawlessly. Can I do that? No one is flawless, but for a battle like this, it's all uphill, which is why I'm training so hard in the gym. It's the final test. For me to win against Errol Spence, my body and mind must be completely in sync throughout the fight. It will be a significant test of physical and mental endurance.
Boxing Scene: What factors will decide when you quit fighting? Will you fight as long as you succeed? Will you fight as long as you feel your best, so you might be going at 45 or 50? Is there a timetable in your mind that you'll stick to?
Pacquiao: There is no timetable. Freddie and I have always agreed that if he sees anything in a fight or in training camp that indicates it may be time to terminate my boxing career, we will have that conversation. There is no fixed date or age.
This week's championship fights are as follows:
IBO super flyweight championship – South Africa, location to be determined
Sabelo Ngebinyana (No. 33 IBO/No. 63 IWBR) vs. Gideon Buthelezi (champion/No. 28 IWBR)
Buthelezi (22-5, 5 KO): This is his sixth championship defense; he previously held IBO titles at 105, 108, and 115 pounds.
Ngebinyana (13-4, 10 KO): This is his first championship fight; his fifth bout is expected to go 12 rounds (2-2, 1 KO)
Buthelezi is a 35-year-old who is rated 28th independently, according to Fitzbitz. As a result, he is far from infallible. However, the adversary in this case is subpar. He should be able to effectively defend himself. Buthelezi was victorious by decision (70/30).
The following are the trash title fights scheduled for this week:
Brentwood, United Kingdom – WBA "world" featherweight championship
Can Xu (champion/No. 5 IWBR) vs. Leigh Wood (WBA No. 12/IWBR No. 76)
Why it's garbage: It's just another day at the WBA. Despite not competing in the weight class in 29 months — though he has competed twice elsewhere – Leo Santa Cruz is recognized as the organization's top-tier champion. That's a disservice to Xu, who seems to be a legitimate commodity at 126. But he's just a competitor until he's acknowledged at the top.
Picks from the previous week: none
2021 selections have a 26-7 record (78.7 percent)
The overall picks record is 1,182-382. (75.5 percent)
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