When the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence Jr was announced, it surprised many. Many fans anticipated an Errol Spence Jr and Terrance Crawford fight, but that fight did not materialize.
So instead, Pacquiao filled the void. Pacquiao, who is now 42 years of age, is coming off a two-year layoff but is looking to challenge himself again.
It’s quite the challenge as Spence is one of the top fighters in the world, pound for pound. What would a win or a loss do for their legacies?
For Pacquiao, his legacy is already secured, and he’s a legend in the sport. Once his time comes, he will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. His achievements and resume are remarkable.
He has won major and lineal titles in eight different weight classes (112, 122, 126, 130, 135, 140, 147, and 154).
It’s not only him winning in multiple weight divisions but the caliber of fighters he has defeated already. Being a champion in four different decades is something to behold.
With that being said, if he loses to Spence and then retires afterwards, he is a top ten all-time great, in my opinion.
Some may disagree on that, but he has a strong case when it is all said and done. However, if Pacquiao wins, now we have to evaluate him at a higher level.
He will be in the argument as one of the greatest fighters of all time, meaning Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Robert Duran, Henry Armstrong level. In this case, it’s a win-win situation for Pacquiao.
For Spence, his legacy is at stake. Spence is undefeated and is the number one welterweight.
Spence is also a big welterweight and is in his absolute peak at the age of 31. There’s no doubt why Spence will be the favorite in the fight.
Pacquiao is past his best days, even though he still fights well. However, Spence has everything to lose in this fight, and he needs to win big. Spence just can’t win a decision; he needs to win by stoppage.
If Spence wins by decision, there will be a lot of criticism of him. The fans will question why Spence (the younger guy) could not stop Pacquiao (the older guy).
Even though Spence will be satisfied with a decision by points, the public won’t. People will be more amazed at how Pacquiao was still able to go to distance with Spence.
If Spence stops Pacquiao, then it will be an official passing of the torch. Spence will have a big win over a big name and get more recognized. Spence will be the next big star and will earn bragging rights.
The likely outcome is that Spence should win this fight. I’m leaning towards a majority decision for Spence.
I still think Pacquiao will perform well and give Errol fits in the fight. Spence’s wins in recent fights over Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter, and Mikey Garcia all went to distance.
Don’t forget, Mikey Garcia was a smaller guy moving up in weight, and he was able to take Spence to distance.
I expect Manny has enough to do the same too. I would not count Pacquiao out in the fight.
He has beaten the odds throughout his career. Most recently, at 40 years old, Pacquiao was able to defeat Keith Thurman which was a huge accomplishment.
There is no Doubt in my mind ..based on the way Errol fights…that this makes things easier for Manny…the Traps won’t be hard to implement…Errol is a Welcoming VICTIM….as Vulnerable as he was to driving Under the influence. This will be the Tale of the tape.
Irregardless of W/L record, or who made the most money, I find Pacquiao’s career more credibly than Floyd Jr’s. Manny didn’t make guys wait years to fight a big name after they’d endured too many wars, or fought past their prime, like Junior did. Manny fought Margarito at 154 who probably weighed 170 on fight night. He fought Barrera, Marquez, Bradley, and Morales multiple times in their prime. At 39/40 yrs old he drops Thurman, and schooled him for 12 rounds. No matter how Pacquiao-Spence turns out, Manny’s legacy is golden. Manny would have fit well in the Golden Era of legends alongside Hagler, Leonard, Hearns, Duran, Benitez, Pryor, Arguello, Salvador Sanchez, because win, lose or draw, Manny would climb in the ring with any of them. THAT’s credible. Junior would have NEVER climbed in the ring with those Legends. Junior strategically picked his career steps to keeping his zero intact, and made the most money, as so many bought his fights hoping to see him get beat; not because he was dominate or a knockout artist or took the biggest risks. Manny Pacquiao was that guy.