Pacquiao explains why he chose to fight Spence, says his next foe is better than Mayweather

Manny Pacquiao could have chosen an easier opponent to fight when he returns to the ring on August 21.

The eight-division champion, however, chose to face WBC and IBF world welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In a press conference, Pacman explained his decision to fight Spence.

"There were a lot of opportunities to pick much easier fights compared to Errol Spence. But I decided to pick Spence because I want to give a good fight to the fans and I want a real fight," Pacquiao said.

"I am a fighter and boxing is my passion. Spence is an aggressive fighter, undefeated, young, and dedicated to his career. He is not an easy opponent. He is the kind of fighter that you never and cannot underestimate," he added.

The 42-year-old Pacquiao has not seen action since he defeated Keith Thurman in July 2019. He is seen as an underdog against the unbeaten Spence, and the odds could widen should Floyd Mayweather make good of his word to help Spence in training camp against Pacquiao.

But as far as the Filipino boxing icon is concerned, Spence (27-0, 21 KOs) is already a better fighter than the retired five-division champion Mayweather.

"Errol doesn't need to have advice from Mayweather, I believe Errol is better than Mayweather. He is a [better] fighter than Mayweather," he said.

—MGP, GMA News