By Brian Webber: Errol Spence Jr says he won’t fight 44-year-old Manny Pacquiao because he feels it could hurt his career if he faces the legend.
On why Spence doesn’t wish to face Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs). He points out that Larry Holmes defeated Muhammad Ali at the end of his career, and some boxing fans don’t give him “respect” because of that.
Pacquiao hasn’t fought in over a year and a half, and Spence would get slammed by fans if he were to face the Filipino superstar at this point.
Spence won’t fight 44-year-old Pacquiao
“I wouldn’t fight him,” said Errol Spence to ESNEWS about his decision not to fight superstar Manny Pacquiao, who is planning on making a comeback at 44.
“Larry Holmes is one of the greatest heavyweights. He doesn’t get the respect. How he beat Muhammad Ali – he f***ed him up. I think it’s because of that.”
The only way people wouldn’t criticize Spence is if Pacquiao worked his way into a title shot against him by beating some top contenders like Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, Vergil Ortiz Jr, or Keith Thurman, but that’s not likely to happen.
If Pacquiao were to beat Boots Ennis, he would force a title shot against Spence, but that would be a tough fight for the 27-year professional.
Although IBF, WBA & WBC welterweight champion Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) was supposed to face the then 42-year-old Pacquiao a year ago, an eye injury suffered in training camp ruined his plans. Yordenis Ugas then fought Pacquiao and defeated him by a 12 round decision.
Pacquiao can make a lot of money fighting exhibitions like Floyd Mayweather Jr against non-boxers the way he’s doing.
There are a lot of social media influencers that Pacquiao can fight against and make good coin against. YouTubers Logan and Jake Paul would likely jump at the chance to fight Pacquiao if the match were offered.
Crawford not next for Spence
“I don’t know. I just got in an accident; I’m focused on that right now,” said Spence when asked if he’ll face Terence Crawford next.
“It’s not looking like it’s going to happen in my next fight. Hopefully, it can definitely happen next year.”
WBO welterweight champion Crawford is a good option for Spence next year if the two can negotiate the fight without Terence giving up in frustration and taking an easier match-up like we just saw with David Avanesyan.