Pacquiao Fires Back: ‘I’m Still Young!’ for Mayweather Rematch

Pacquiao Fires Back: ‘I’m Still Young!’ for Mayweather Rematch

Historic Bout Set for The Sphere in Las Vegas

The boxing world is buzzing as the highly anticipated rematch between Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao and undefeated icon Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been officially announced. Set to take place on September 19th at the state-of-the-art Sphere in Las Vegas, this bout marks a monumental event, billed as a “historic rematch” between two of the sport’s all-time greats. It’s been 11 years since their first encounter, a 2015 clash that shattered pay-per-view records and captivated global audiences.

Pacquiao Addresses Timing and Past Performance

In his first interview since the rematch announcement, Manny Pacquiao, speaking alongside Jazz Matther, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions and Limitless X Holdings, expressed his excitement and addressed the long wait for a second showdown. “It just happened that I’m still active in boxing and then he come out from retirement,” Pacquiao explained, highlighting the unique circumstances that led to the fight’s realization. “So, this is it. Like, I’m I’m so excited for for the fight. It’s going to be in the Sphere. It’s going to be a first-of-its-kind event.”

Reflecting on their 2015 fight, where Mayweather secured a unanimous decision, Pacquiao acknowledged learning valuable lessons. “I learned a lot um when that fight um way back 2015,” he stated. “Um I think uh we uh we become mature right now and uh how to uh handle it.” Crucially, Pacquiao addressed concerns about his physical condition during their initial meeting, alluding to a potential shoulder issue that may have hampered his performance. “No more excuses. Uh especially to my condition and also uh for everything like I’m I’m so excited and ready to the fight.” He also made it clear that he was seeking a genuine contest, not an exhibition bout, stating, “although uh um before he wants an exhibition with me, but I didn’t I disagree and I don’t I don’t want to fight with exhibition with him. I want to fight a a real fight like this.”

Addressing Age and Fitness Concerns

With both fighters now older than they were in 2015, concerns about their physical readiness are inevitable. Pacquiao, however, remains confident, dismissing notions that age is a significant factor. “Well, both of us are uh disciplined fighters. So um him and me um like uh we taking care of our body and then we I always work out uh almost uh every day and playing basketball like that. So uh right now I’m I I’m still can fight like uh I feel like I’m still young. I mean nothing changed.”

The Sphere: A Groundbreaking Venue for Boxing

Jazz Matther elaborated on the significance of The Sphere as the venue for this historic rematch. “This was a lot of work. Uh took a lot of time,” he said, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to secure the venue. “It just took the right time and, you know, having the right team in place to be able to get it done, right? It was is really a really a timing thing and and all the right people involved um in the deal to help make it happen.” Matther also highlighted the role of Netflix as the global broadcast partner, promising a massive audience. “And of course having Netflix being uh uh, you know, a global phenomenon, right? I mean we’ll have hundreds of millions of people viewing this uh there’s so many additional opportunities that come out of it.”

Overcoming Obstacles to Make the Rematch Happen

When asked about the biggest impediments to finalizing the rematch, Matther pointed to the complexities of negotiations and the involvement of various parties. “The biggest barrier would be uh I would just say, you know, there’s sometimes there’s people in the way that just don’t present either a the deal the right way or just don’t uh are not able to get it closed. A lot of times people will look after themselves rather than look after the fighters and the interest of what people want. So that’s that’s really what it comes down to, right? When you have too many chefs in the kitchen, uh it always spoils the food.”

Pacquiao’s Birthday Message to Mayweather

On Mayweather’s 49th birthday, Pacquiao offered a message of goodwill, eschewing any pre-fight trash talk. “Well, for me, I’m always wishing him the good uh more British to come, good health, and um, may God bless bless him and protect him always and give him good health. And of course, um, uh, this, uh, enjoying his uh, life right now,” Pacquiao stated respectfully.

Looking Ahead to Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2

With the rematch officially set, the boxing world eagerly anticipates what promises to be another captivating chapter in the rivalry between Mayweather and Pacquiao. The unique setting of The Sphere and the compelling narrative of a second chance for Pacquiao set the stage for a must-see event. As Pacquiao declared, “I feel like I’m still young!” the Filipino legend is clearly ready to prove he still has what it takes against one of the greatest defensive fighters of all time.

Source: Manny Pacquiao CALMS THE CRITICS on Floyd Mayweather Jr. rematch 🗣️ 'I'M STILL YOUNG!' | SC (YouTube)