Floyd Mayweather snubbed as Manny Pacquiao picks – Sports News
Manny Pacquiao has gone toe-to-toe with a who’s who of great boxers all through his iconic profession, however the Filipino icon has surprisingly snubbed Floyd Mayweather as his most tough opponent.
The 46-year-old (62-8-2) is set to step via the ropes for the 73rd time, and for the primary time in virtually 4 years, when he takes on Mario Barrios for the WBC world welterweight title on the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on July 19.
The eight-weight world champion has taken on greats like Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez and Ricky Hatton through the years.
But none of these names got here to thoughts when ‘Pacman’ was requested who his hardest opponent was. Speaking on the ‘Cigar Talk’ podcast, the great southpaw mentioned: “The [Miguel] Cotto fight. He’s strong, he’s heavy-handed.”
Pacquiao and the Puerto Rican crossed paths on the MGM Grand in Sin City 16 years in the past, with Pacquiao rising victorious from a thrilling contest with a Twelfth-round knockout victory for the WBO world welterweight strap.
Cotto was a super fighter, amassing a 41-6 report and profitable world titles in 4 weight courses.
But five-weight champion Mayweather, who defeated Pacquiao on factors in a blockbuster 2015 showdown and retired with a excellent 50-0 report, actually appeared just like the more apparent selection for Pacquiao’s most difficult opponent.
The announcement that Pacquiao will return to the ring for a world title bout shocked the boxing world. He is nearer to 50 years previous than 40, and he was outpointed by Yordenis Ugas in his final combat back in 2021.
Speaking at a press convention for his conflict with Barrios subsequent month, Pacquiao admitted he “never imagined” he would return to the ring, not to mention in a world title combat in opposition to a man 16 years his junior
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“I missed boxing,” Pacquiao said. “Especially this example, getting interviewed and coaching camp. I missed that. Boxing is my ardour. The means I prepare, the way in which I work arduous and pushing myself to the restrict is to make sure that I can provide a good combat to the followers.
“My goal is to leave a legacy to the boxing fans because that can inspire the young generation who are dreaming to be a champion.”
Barrios (21-2-1) mentioned: “This is crazy to put into words. Come July 19, a legend is going to be across from me trying to take my WBC world title.
“I have all the respect for him and nothing but good things to say about him outside of the ring, but inside of there, he’s just another man trying to take what’s mine.
“It’s been a long road, but I’m here and I’m the champion for a reason and I’m going to show that on July 19.”
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