Manny Pacquiao has called his upcoming showdown with Floyd Mayweather an "additional achievement" in his boxing career, admitting that beating the undefeated American boxing champ would be the "biggest victory" of his life.
The 36-year-old Filipino boxing icon has shared his thoughts recently on his heavily anticipated fight with Mayweather, which will occur May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Speaking to the media on Wednesday at his trainer Freddie Roach's Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, Pacquiao said he felt very excited for the fight, which many have dubbed as the "fight of the century."
While some question the timing of the Mayweather Pacquiao fight, saying both of them are already past their prime by boxing standards, the Filipino champ thinks otherwise.
"More people are interested and informed about this fight now than they would've been five years ago," ESPN quoted Pacquiao as saying. "Style wise, I am the same fighter I was five years ago. My determination, inspiration and killer instinct is the exact same as it was five or six years ago."
Roach was quick to agree, noting how Manny is "really motivated for this fight." "It has really escalated his performance. I think he's faster than ever and he's definitely hitting harder than ever," BBC quoted him as saying.
Responding to Floyd Mayweather Jr's statement on Tuesday that Pacquiao is a "reckless" fighter, Roach said, "Manny is not reckless at all. Everything we do is planned out and it's part of the game plan."
"Mayweather is a counter puncher and we have to attack really quick and get out really quick. We can't stay in the pocket too long," Roach added. While his showdown with Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) is said to be the biggest and richest fight in boxing history, Pacquiao didn't consider it his legacy fight but said a victory would be great, according to ESPN.
"My entire career defines my legacy. I have already accomplished great achievements in my career while excelling in different weight divisions," said Pacquiao, who holds a record of 57 wins with 38 KOs, 5 losses and 2 draws. "This fight is an additional achievement in my career. I can say that beating Floyd would be the biggest victory of my career."
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