Manny Pacquiao has responded to Floyd Mayweather’s assertion that prime fighters should not be chasing a clash with an “old man”, saying his former foe is just jealous.
Mayweather who spoke in an interview published earlier this month, noted that he was disappointed to hear the likes of Mikey Garcia call out Pacquiao, who turned 41 last December.
“It’s sad that you hear guys say, ‘I want to fight Manny Pacquiao,’” Mayweather said. “But Manny Pacquiao is 41 now. Don’t chase him. You young guys chase each other. But stop chasing this old man. If the opportunity presents itself, go out and do what you got to do.
“Let Manny Pacquiao pick and choose who he wants to fight. With everything he’s accomplished, hopefully, he’s made some smart investments.”
An eight-division world champion, Pacquiao has not fought since last year, when he first defeated Adrien Broner in January and then followed it up in July by inflicting Keith Thurman’s first professional loss. Both victories came via decisions, with the latter securing Pacquiao the WBA super middleweight title.
The Filipino, whose record reads 62-7-2 (39 KOs), had targeted a return to the ring this summer, but his plans have been put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Other than Mikey Garcia, he has been liked with fights against Danny Garcia, WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford – all three are aged 32 – and IBF and WBC belt-holder Errol Spence Jr (29).
Speaking to The Manila Times, Pacquiao said of Mayweather: “He is just envious because he’s already retired. We’re still active, and have a crown.”
Of course, Pacquiao and Mayweather squared off in 2015, with the American easing to a unanimous points victory in the most lucrative fight of all time. Talk has continued regarding a rematch – Mayweather, now 42, is retired – but Pacquiao, a sitting senator in his homeland, denied he is considering that at the moment.
“I’m not thinking about that yet,” he said. “I’m concerned first and foremost about our countrymen and about how to resolve this pandemic.”
Asked if retirement is on his agenda any time soon, Pacquiao replied that his physical condition was “OK” and added: “[I just finished hitting the] punching bag. No retirement yet, no problem. Yes, I’m still training. God is good all the time.”
