Manny Pacquiao announces fight vs. Errol Spence Jr.

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[May 22, 2021]    Manny Pacquiao will face Errol Spence Jr. on Aug. 21, according to social media announcements from both boxers on Friday.

Manny Pacquiao enters the ring to face Keith Thurman (not pictured) for their WBA welterweight championship bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Pacquiao won via split decision. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The bout will be offered on Fox pay per view. The venue is expected to be the MGM Grand, according to The Athletic, though Pacquiao told the website he hoped the fight would be at the Raiders' home, Allegiant Stadium, which features a 70,000-seat capacity.

Spence, 31, the WBC and IBF welterweight world champ, is 27-0 with 21 knockouts.

Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) has won titles in eight divisions.

"I love to challenge the top guy," Pacquiao, 42, told The Athletic in an interview from the Philippines.

Manny Pacquiao Promotions president Sean Gibbons told ESPN, "Many people believe Spence is the best welterweight in the world and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and Pacquiao has never shied away from fighting real fights.

"He's not going to make a fool of himself fighting YouTubers or social media guys like Floyd Mayweather is, and he wants to continue his legacy. He's always fought the best, and he doesn't want to change now."

Mayweather has agreed to a June 6 exhibition bout with YouTuber Logan Paul.

Mayweather and Pacquiao fought in 2015, with Mayweather taking the victory.

In his most recent fight, in July 2019, Pacquiao beat Keith Thurman in a split decision to win his since-vacated WBA super welterweight title belt.

--Field Level Media

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