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Analyst says Spence fight 'worrisome', predicts Pacquiao won't go distance

By JM SIASAT,GMA News

Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao made the wrong move in fighting WBC and IBF world welterweight champion Errol Spence coming off a two-year break, according to veteran sports analyst Snow Badua.

Pacquiao, 42, last saw action in July 2019 when he defeated the previously unbeaten Keith Thurman via split decision. He is slated to lock horns with Spence on Aug. 21 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, USA.

"Pacquiao has been on a two-year hiatus. What did he do? He ate, attended the Senate, slept late, played chess, he did everything that can take a toll on his body,” he told GMA News Online.

“At some point when I saw Manny his stomach was out. Don’t believe that he plays basketball, his basketball does not equate to the training of the likes of Errol Spence,” Badua claimed.

He added that it would have been good for Pacquiao if he opted to take a tune-up bout before taking on Spence, citing that such a fight was very dangerous for the aging Filipino.

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“This is the first time that Pacquiao will fight from a two-year layoff. This is going to be very worrisome for Pacquiao to think that Spence is a livewire [opponent]. Spence is the top dog in the welterweight division,” he said.

“I am surprised that Pacquiao did not ask for his usual catchweight for this fight so he really wanted a fair fight.”

Asked for his prediction, the sports analyst said he did not see the Filipino boxing icon making it to the final round.

“I'd like to believe that Pacquiao's decision to pick Spence for his next fight is a suicide. This is going to be a losing cause for Pacquiao. Spence beats him in six rounds.” – RC, GMA News