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‘Keep Your Confidence’: Mike Tyson Extends Support to Manny Pacquiao in a Heartwarming Video

Published 07/11/2021, 2:30 PM EDT

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Manny Pacquiao is all set to return against WBC and IBF champion Errol Spence Jr. on August 21st, a fight that would see three world titles go on the line.

Besides Spence Jr’s WBC and IBF belt, Ring 147 lbs strap would also be up for grabs. Hence, 42-year-old Pacquiao might become one of the oldest boxers to earn a world championship that night.

While ‘Pac-Man’ seems focused on his ongoing camp, he has also received some valuable advice from former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

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Relying on Pacquaio’s speed and experience, Tyson has favored the Filipino legend in several of his bouts. So, ‘Iron’ backed him again and connected with Pacquaio via face-time.

Mike Tyson told Manny Pacquiao, “Yeah, you beat Thurman you made it easy. Listen, keep your confidence. Good luck brother.”

Before this virtual meet, Mike Tyson also shed his opinion on the welterweight bout while shooting for his HotBoxin episode with Badou Jack. ‘The Ripper’ predicted WBC/IBF titlist Errol Spence Jr. to win, but Tyson had favored Pacquiao even then.

He touted Pacquiao’s movement and speed to validate his pick. So, the love doesn’t seem to have faded as ‘Iron’ continues to shed love for the eight-division world champion.

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That said, Errol Spence Jr. can bring an adverse situation for his rival inside the ring. The undefeated boxer is an elite southpaw and has been on a prominent rise so far.

As he is on the brink of appearing in a career-defining battle, Spence Jr. can possibly look forward to adding Manny Pacquiao’s name on his resume. But it doesn’t take away Pacquiao’s chances, who would come with sheer experience to his side.

Manny Pacquiao vs Errol Spence Jr- Once in a Lifetime

While Pacquiao’s age calls him for retirement or exhibition bouts, the 42-year-old is looking for the best challenges. Following a long hiatus since his win against Keith Thurman in 2019, Pacquiao will try to become a champion once again. But Spence Jr. can also be a brutal reality check for him.

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The unbeaten champion is still fresh from his win against Danny Garcia in 2020. After recovery from the horrific car crash in 2019, ‘The Truth’ might be in an even better form now.

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He has claimed to be in proper fighting shape, reflecting some serious dangers for ‘Pac-Man’ ahead. Who do you think will win? Manny Pacquiao or Errol Spence Jr.?

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Written by:

Raj Sarkar

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A senior boxing writer at EssentiallySports, Raj Sarkar is a mass media graduate who is currently pursuing his master’s degree in broadcast journalism. In addition to his current role, he has worked with the MMA team at EssentiallySports and has interviewed prominent fighters such as Ritu Phogat and 'The Red King' Rory MacDonald. He combined his bachelor's degree with his adoration for combat sports and has a combined 2000 plus bylines in MMA and boxing over the last two years.
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