When you ask that hypothetical ‘man on the street’ to name the best boxer of all time, you expect him to say either Muhammed Ali or Mike Tyson. He may even plump for the genius behind the grill, George Foreman. But, just behind those titans of the sport, there’s every chance he’ll follow up with Manny Pacquiao. If you’re in the Philippines ? the Pacman’s native land ? you can bet your bottom peso his name is championed even before you finish your question. Pacquiao is a living legend in his home country ? and he’s also a living legend in the boxing world. And we’re going to watch the 35-year-old fight in Macau for the second time in just 14 months. The second coming of one of the best boxers in history.
The first and only boxer to win world titles in eight different weight divisions, defending World Boxing Organisation welterweight champion Pacquiao ? a congressman in the Philippines and, perhaps, future president in the making ? is set to take on undefeated WBO junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri at the Clash in Cotai II in The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena in an action-packed card that also features the likes of Chinese champ Zou Shiming and Hong Kong’s own wonderboy Rex Tso.
Pacquiao in HK with local favourites Rex Tso (right) and Ng Kuok Kun (left)
The fight night on November 23 follows last year’s epic Clash in Cotai, also at The Venetian, which saw the Pacman batter Brandon ‘Bam Bam’ Rios in front of a packed crowd, gaining the Filipino hero a much-needed victory after two previous defeats. And, since then, he’s also popped off a tough Timothy Bradley, so he’s in high spirits on his way to Macau. And he’s certainly in high spirits when we sit down with him just after he touches down in Hong Kong to promote the Clash in Cotai II, which could turn out to be the biggest bout in the twilight of this legend’s iconic career…
Welcome to Hong Kong, Mr Pacquiao! Are you confident about the upcoming fight in Cotai? Will it be a walk in the park or are we going to see something special? I am very confident that it won’t be a hard fight but I will not underestimate my opponent. He’s taller than me and he’s younger than me ? but I’m more experienced. That’s why I have to make sure that I’m in 100 percent condition on the day.
How have you been preparing for the bout against Chris Algieri? I’ve already trained for more than two months for this fight and I’m really excited about it. It will be my first time fighting Chris. He’s a knowledgeable person and he’s a friendly guy. As boxers, we have a job to do in the ring but outside the ring we’re not enemies. We’re not fighting each other then. We’re friends.
Pacquiao sparring with trainer Freddie Roach
We’ve been told the only time when there’s absolutely no crime anywhere in the Philippines is when you fight because everyone loves to watch you! Is it an extra pressure knowing so many of your countrymen and women are watching you? It’s a big responsibility and it’s a good thing that I can unite people in the Philippines through their watching of my fights.
You’ve had lots of nicknames ? Pacman, The Destroyer. Which one is your favourite? Some people call me Ninong. Some people call me Pacman. It’s just different. I like them all.
You like to give away your earnings to charities. Is this something you’ve always done? Yes. I have done a lot of charitable work in my province back home. In helping and giving back to the people, I’ve provided them with livelihoods and I’ve also bought land for those who don’t have a house or land.
Here’s a big question: will we ever see a fight with you and Floyd Mayweather Jr, the undefeated American world champion? [Chuckles] Okay, I don’t know. I am willing to fight with him. I don’t know if the fight will happen as it will depend on whether he wants to fight. But I’m crossing my fingers and I’m hoping that the fight will happen by next year.
As well as having a boxing career, you’re also a congressman and a businessman, and you’ve also been in the music and film industries. Do you see yourself still boxing in 10 years or will you have moved on to other areas? I don’t think I’ll be a boxer any more in 10 years. I think I will continue to serve people in politics or maybe focus on being a businessman. At the moment, my boxing and political careers are good in the Philippines. I’m still helping a lot of people. I’m still continuing my boxing career and I’m still enjoying spending time with my family.
What do you want to say to your fans this time round? This time round, I want to thank the fans for all their support and prayers. I hope that they will come to Macau to watch this upcoming fight. It will be a good fight.
Clash in Cotai II Sun Nov 23, 8am. Cotai Arena, The Venetian Macao, Macau. Tickets $880-$24,080; hkticketing.com
