Manny Pacquiao Wants To Return To Boxing, But Urged To Stay Away From Errol Spence Jr, Terence Crawford
Pacquiao recently fought DK Yoo in an exhibition bout and outshone his opponent.
Manny Pacquiao said this past weekend that it’s hard to be retired – much harder than he thought.
The sole eight-division champion suggested prior to his first exhibition match against DK Yoo that it’s a good “stepping stone” to return to the sport professionally. And former WBA champion Yordenis Ugas has advised his former foe that he can do what he wants, but just don’t fight welterweight champions Errol Spence Jr or Terence Crawford.
“Pacquiao is a legend,” said Ugas, who defeated him back unanimous decision in August 2021, forcing him into retirement a month later. “I would like him to stay at home [and not fight professionally again].
“But if he wants to come back, he doesn’t have to fight me to prove anything. If he wants to fight these guys, I think they are too strong [of] fights.
“But we have to respect his decision. Because he gave a lot to the sport.”
After fighting Pacquiao, Ugas went on to defend his belt against Spence – who was originally scheduled to fight Pacquiao, but had to withdraw due to an eye injury – and lost it to the now three-belt welterweight champion.
Crawford previously told media about the fall out of his shot at Pacquiao.
Pacquiao previously told Fight Hype that he is considering a return to professional boxing, despite saying this past summer that he was done for good.
“Of course, I can fight Terence Crawford or [Errol] Spence. I’m eager to fight with them, test them, and see if they’re a champion. I’ve been fighting many boxers at 147, 140, and 135 [weight class],” he said.
Former rival Floyd Mayweather is in the same boat as Pacquiao – retired, considered one of the greatest boxers of all time and now enjoying exhibitions bouts.
When asked if he would have a rematch with Mayweather, Pacquiao said he thinks that Mayweather wouldn’t take it because he’s “scared.”
Mayweather previously told the media that he’s not interested in getting into fights that would potentially hurt him – and, likely, affecting his flawless 50-0 pro record.
Pacquiao retired for his Presidential campaign in the Philippines, after serving as a Senator for many years, but fell short in the elections.