Boxing’s only eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and former four-division champ Adrien “The Problem” Broner were all business on Tuesday as they concluded their two-city press tour in Los Angeles announcing their Saturday, January 19 showdown for Pacquiao’s WBA Welterweight World Title. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Here’s what Pacquiao had to say:
“This fight is going to be a good fight. I have to pass through him before fighting Floyd Mayweather. I want to prove to the boxing fans that Manny Pacquiao is still in the pack. You will see more fights with Manny Pacquiao here in the United States.
“He’s young and he’s fast – and he’s fast with his mouth. There will be more action in the ring – we know what the people want. It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a fight you will never forget.
“I continue my career as a boxer because boxing is my passion. When I hung up my gloves once, I felt sad not being in the ring and giving inspiration to people in the Philippines and boxing fans.”
On potentially fighting Floyd Mayweather again:
“I don’t think Adrien will agree with that, because I need to pass through him. This is not an easy fight.”
On working with Al Haymon:
“I have only good things to say about Top Rank – they helped me a lot. But I’m really thankful to be partnered with Al Haymon and have a chance to work with him.”
Will the Mayweather rematch be next?
“I can’t give you an answer, but if you ask me, it would be good for me to have that fight.”
Pacquiao fought Mayweather back in 2015 and lost by unanimous decision. I think May-Pac 2 is still a fight that people would want to see, and would do well on PPV, but first, Pacquiao needs to handle Broner.