FILE – Errol Spence Jr. after a unanimous decision against Danny Garcia during their WBC & IBF World Welterweight Championship fight at AT&T Stadium on December 05, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines—Errol Spence Jr. insisted that he’s already a better boxer than Manny Pacquiao at this point in time.
Spence, the holder of the WBC and IBF welterweight titles, said in a press conference that he believes beating the Filipino, had their fight pushed through, would’ve simply solidified his place in boxing history.
“With all respect to Pacquiao, I’m a way different fighter than Pacquiao. I feel like at this point right now, I’m a better fighter than Pacquiao,” said Spence during the press conference for his fight against WBA welterweight Super champion Yordenis Ugas.
Spence and Pacquiao were supposed to have a unification bout for their belts–a fight that also had the vacant Ring Magazine title on the line–but it was cancelled after the American had to pull out to recover from an eye injury.
Ugas, instead, took Spence’s place and beat Pacquiao to become the WBA super champion in August 2021.
"I was ready for Pacquiao, I'll be ready for Spence." – @YordenisUgas 😤. #SpenceUgas #PBConShowtime pic.twitter.com/4nGiSGdvsj
— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) March 2, 2022
Spence said that Pacquiao, who retired from the sport after his loss to Ugas, already had his best years behind him.
“Y’all keep bringing up Pacquiao but that’s like, y’know. Larry Holmes fighting [Muhammad] Ali, or Terry Norris beating Sugar Ray Leonard, or Marcos Maidana beating up Morales. Like Pacquiao’s way past his prime,” said Spence.
While Pacquiao still maintains a level of notoriety among the welterweight picture, Spence would rather focus on Ugas and claim a third belt in the division.
“This is going to be a great fight. Ugas, like I said, he always comes to fight,” said Spence. “He’s gonna fight. Ugas is a real warrior but I’m hungry too. I’m not letting this opportunity pass by me either.”