FILE PHOTOS — Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence Jr. AFP
MANILA, Philippines—Danny Garcia believes that a fight between proven knockout artists Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence is not something that would see all 12 rounds.
In an interview with Fight Hype, the two-division champion said both Pacquiao and Spence have the capabilities of ending a fight in their own terms.
It’s just a question of who will be the one staring at the floodlights come August 21 in Las Vegas.
“I think you can stop Pacquiao with a body shot but I think Pacquiao can stop him [Spence] too,” said Garcia. “I think it’s a 50/50 fight.”
“I think that fight’s not gonna go the distance.”
Garcia, who won titles in both the light welterweight and welterweight divisions, challenged Spence for the IBF and WBC championships in December 2020 but lost via unanimous decision, giving him viable knowledge of the capabilities of the undefeated champion.
It had been Spence’s (27-0, 21 knockouts) first fight since his car accident in October 2019.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 05: (L-R) Danny Garcia and Errol Spence Jr. during their WBC & IBF World Welterweight Championship fight at AT&T Stadium on December 05, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images/AFP
The Philadelphia native said Spence is one of the strongest boxers he has fought as the Texan dictated the proceedings with his brute force more than his punching power.
“He’s the strongest fighter I fought, physically you feel him in front of you,” said Garcia (36-3, 21 KOs). “He’s long, but he’s not the biggest puncher. He is physically strong.”
While Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 Kos) is 11 years the senior of the 31-year-old Spence, Garcia believes that the champion could still be in a lot of trouble come the fight.
Pacquiao knocked down Keith Thurman in the first round of their July 2019 fight and won the WBA (Super) welterweight belt via split decision.
Garcia said that if that version of Pacquiao faces Spence then it would be difficult for the American to come away with the victory.
But if it’s the version of Spence who knocked out Kell Brook in 2017 who comes out, then the edge is with the younger boxers.
“If the Pacman who showed up against Keith Thurman fights then that’s a dangerous Pacquiao,” said Garcia. “The Spence who fought Kell Brook can stop Pacquiao.”