Pacman v Tartan Tornado.. let’s get it on
Legend Manny insists he’ll fight Josh Taylor.. if the Scot moves up a division
MANNY PACQUIAO has refused to rule out a clash with Josh Taylor but he will only face the Tartan Tornado if the Scot steps up to welterweight.
Filipino superstar Pacquiao, 42, returns to the ring in the early hours of tomorrow morning as he takes on WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas.
Ugas was a late replacement for Errol Spence Jnr, who was ruled out last week with an eye injury.
The fact the veteran was willing to take on Spence Jnr shows he is still up for big challenges despite nearing the end of his illustrious career.
Taylor is currently the undisputed light-welterweight champion and has spoken in the past of his desire to fight his hero Pacquiao.
He could get his chance if he is willing to move up to 10st 7lb in the near future.
Pacquiao said: “I have no problem with fighting anybody, as long as it is at welterweight.
“As long as I am still in boxing I can fight anybody.
“This is why I chose Errol Spence Jr because I want to fight the best. Anytime, I can fight anybody.”
Pacquiao was close to fighting a Brit before with a deal in place to fight Amir Khan in the
Middle East before the pandemic broke out.
That bout was never announced but it is understood it was close to being confirmed before Covid shut down the world.
Eight-weight world champion Pacquiao hasn’t laced up the gloves since July 2019 when he beat Keith Thurman and he will turn 43 in December.
He is also planning to run for president in his home country next year.
That’s why it would be no surprise if he hangs up his gloves no matter the outcome against Cuban puncher Ugas at the T-Mobile Arena tomorrow morning.
Ugas, who has a 26-4 record as a professional, may not be the blockbuster clash Spence Jnr would have been.
But the experienced Cuban still poses a big threat for the ageing great who continues to defy the odds to stay in the sport having turned professional back in 1995.
Tomorrow’s clash will be the 72nd professional fight for Pacquiao, who has won 62, lost seven and drawn two in a career spanning four decades.
There is the risk that if he continues fighting too long he could tarnish his legacy or, much worse, damage his health. But trainer Freddie Roach seems content to see his man keep going and like many of the big names in the US over the last two decades, the Filipino continues to flirt with the idea of a fight in the UK.
Pacquiao said: “I hope that one day I could have a fight there. ●Pacquiao v Ugas will be live on Sky Sports from 2am on Sunday.
I have no problem fighting anybody as long as I am still boxing PACQUIAO WON’T RULE OUT TAYLOR SHOWDOWN