Pacquiao challenges Mayweather anew: ‘Why be nervous?’

MANILA, Philippines – “You talk pound-for-pound best, or undefeated champion. If you don’t defend against the best, none of that means anything.”

Manny Pacquiao made his feelings clear in a recent interview with NJ.com on why he thinks the undefeated Floyd “Money” Mayweather and him have yet to get in the ring for a showdown that has been eagerly anticipated for years. 

According to Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 knockouts), Mayweather (46-0-0, 26 KOs) is scared of putting his undefeated slate at risk.

“What one night could do to his zero of losses. I think I finally understand him…what he says…how he acts…and I don’t like it.”

Pacquiao and Mayweather have 20 boxing titles combined, along with numerous Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) Fighter of the Year awards. The former’s championships in eight different divisions are a record, while the latter is not far behind with five. 

“I know how to fight him. I know what I’m doing. I know what his style is all about,” Pacquiao said of his prospects of beating Mayweather, even if Mayweather has scarcely been threatened in the ring.

“I know how to create action. I know that I can make him stand and fight.”

While Pacquiao is more of a slugger who prefers to exchange punches and take advantage of his foot speed, Mayweather is an orthodox boxer who is adept at protecting himself and landing counter punches.

Pacquiao, who has yet to score a knockout victory in five years, has recently devoted some of his time to different areas of responsibility, such as being a sitting congressman representing his province of Sarangani, recording a music album, and foraying into the Philippine Basketball Association as both a coach and player.

But despite his extra-curricular activities, Pacman is still confident he can take Mayweather down if the two ever get to meet in the ring.

“Listen, this is me. I punch, and punch, and punch. This is boxing. If you don’t punch, you don’t deserve to win. For me, that has always been boxing,” Pacquiao said.

He also gave another message to Mayweather: “If boxing is your passion with great conviction, why be nervous? It’s what you do.”

Mayweather is schedule to face Marcos Maidana, 31, (35-4-0, 31 KOs) on September 12 in Las Vegas. The last time both boxers went face to face, Mayweather won via majority decision, but not before fighting through his opponent’s aggressive attack.

Pacquiao’s next match is scheduled on November 23 against the undefeated Chris Algieri (20-0-0, 8 KOs) in Macau. – Rappler.com

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