Manny Pacquiao will make his long-awaited return to the boxing ring on August 21 against WBC and IBF welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr in what could be the Filipino superstar's final fight.
Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion, revealed in May that his next fight would be against the unbeaten Spence and the bout was officially confirmed on Thursday night by Premier Boxing Champions, the boxing management company founded by Al Haymon which represents both fighters.
"Eight-Division World Champion @MannyPacquiao and undefeated Unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion @ErrolSpenceJr meet in a blockbuster championship clash August 21 live on FOX Sports PPV, live from @TMobileArena in Las Vegas," PBC tweeted.
Pacquaio, 42, has not fought since defeating American Keith Thurman in July 2019 for the WBA welterweight title. He had been previously targeting bouts with Mickey Garcia and Terence Crawford only for those fights to fall through.
Pacquaio was stripped of his WBA title due to inactivity and was designated "champion in recess".
The Philippines senator told The Athletic in May that his next bout against Spence "might be" his last and would aim to go out in style, saying: "I love to challenge the top guy."
Spence most certainly is one of the top guys. The American is undefeated in 27 professional fights and most recently delivered a dominant victory over Danny Garcia in December. It was Spence's first fight since being involved in a near-fatal car crash in October 2019.
Spence won his first world title, the IBF welterweight belt, by defeating Britain's Kell Brook by 11th round stoppage in May 2017 before adding the WBC strap to his collection with a split decision win over compatriot Shawn Porter in September 2019.
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Spence beats Porter for WBC title
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Errol Spence Jr, left, attempts to block a punch from Shawn Porter during their welterweight world title fight in Los Angeles. EPA -
Errol Spence Jr avoids a punch from Shawn Porter. EPA -
Errol Spence Jr and Shawn Porter during their world title fight in Los Angeles. EPA -
Errol Spence Jr attempts to land a jab on Shanw Porter. EPA -
Errol Spence Jr celebrates his win over Shawn Porter. EPA -
Floyd Mayweather Jr attends the fight between Errol Spence Jr and Shawn Porter. EPA -
Errol Spence Jr and Shawn Porter embrace at the end of the fight. EPA -
A close-up of Shawn Porter and Errol Spence Jr during the fight. EPA -
Errol Spence Jr lands a shot on Shawn Porter during their fight at the Staples Center. EPA -
Errol Spence Jr lands a shot on Shawn Porter during their fight at the Staples Center. AP Photo -
Shawn Porter, left, is knocked down by Errol Spence Jr during the 11th round. AP Photo -
Errol Spence Jr celebrates after winning his fight against Shawn Porter by split decision. AFP
