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PACQUIAO ACCEPTS SPENCE'S CHALLENGE

By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 17 Mar 2019



Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao accepted Errol Spence Jnr's challenge for a IBF/WBA world title unification fight after Spence disposed the too ambitious and overmatched Mikey Garcia with a shutout victory at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).

Judges Nelson Vazquez and Alex Levin gave all the rounds to Spence with identical scores of 120-108 while Judge Glenn Feldman had it 120-107, scoring one round 10-8 to Spence most likely round No. 9 when Garcia received tremendous punishment from Spence pushing Garcia's elder brother and trainer Robert to almost stop the fight. Mikey though requested his brother to give him one more round.

Interviewed atop the ring besides the victorious Spence after the fight, Pacquiao said, "Why not?" when asked if he wants to fight Spence next.


Manny Pacquiao congratulates Errol Spence Jnr after Spence defeated Mike Garcia Saturday night in Arlington, Texas.

Pacquiao, 40, the WBA welterweight champion who many believed to be past his prime, could again lay claim to the pound for pound title that he held for several years in his heydays if he is victorious against Spence. Spence, a lefty like Pacquiao, however, is a very dangerous fight for the aging future hall of famer by what he showed Saturday night against Garcia where he displayed his repertoire as a complete fighter exhibiting his power punches, boxing ability and defensive skills to frustrate Garcia.

A Pacquiao-Spence fight however will come down as one of the biggest fights in 2019 and will surely become a Pay-Per-View blockbuster.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.

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