Following on from Olympic champion Zou Shiming’s debut Macau fight back in April, the Venetian Macao is hosting another big showdown this month, between ‘Fighter of the Decade’ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and former WBA Lightweight champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios.
The two are set to battle it out in the 12-round welterweight ‘Clash in Cotai’ rumble, on Sunday, November 24.
Pacquiao is a former champion in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, but lost his last two fights in 2012. This will be the first time he has entered the ring for a professional fight this year.
In a recent interview with Macau CLOSER the 34-year-old said the break has been good for him.
“I have returned to training camp completely refreshed. I am more focused, faster and stronger. I feel 10 years younger physically.”
Together with his trainer, the renowned Freddie Roach, Pacquiao is determined to dispel the idea that it’s time to hang up his gloves.
The holder of 10 world titles believes he is ready to go up against the typically forward-charging, 27-year-old Rios, but has taken the extra precaution of keeping his training regime uncharacteristically behind closed doors.
“Brandon is a very skilled boxer and a strong fighter. I have a lot of respect for his achievements. That is why I began training camp earlier and will have trained longer for this fight than I ever have. I will have trained three months for my fight with Brandon Rios. That should tell you my thoughts on him,” says Pacquiao.
Over the past few years, most of Pacquiao’s fights have been held in Las Vegas, so he is excited about his Macau debut.
“I am honored to be taking part in this historic card. Our fight will hopefully bring more attention to Asians boxers and open the sport of boxing to a large and enthusiasic market.”
Amazingly, being one of the greatest boxers ever has not been enough of an achievement for Pacquiao. He is also a second term congressman in the Philippines, has acted in a number of movies and TV shows, and has even recorded two music CD’s. Some say these activities have distracted him from his boxing career, but the champion seems to take it all in his stride.
“It takes a lot of discipline to balance my busy life, but I enjoy that. The way I feel right now, I think I can keep fighting for another two or three years. Boxing is my passion but public service is my calling. I believe I serve the greater good putting the government to work for the people it represents and I want to be a part of that process.”
