Boxing phenomenon Manny Pacquiao appears in his 70th professional fight this weekend as he defends his WBA regular world welterweight championship against Adrien Broner. With rumours circulating over a possible rematch between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Pac-Man must win here for that rematch to come to fruition. Broner, who goes into this bout eleven years younger than his opponent, is more than capable of causing the Fillipino a lot of trouble in this fight.
Our boxing expert gives you his predictions for the fight.
Motivation the key for Manny
Having won world titles in eight different divisions, spanning 69 professional fights, Manny Pacquiao has achieved everything in the sport of boxing. After losing to Jeff Horn in July 2017, many experts assumed that would be the last time we’d see Pacquiao in the ring, and yet a year later he scores his first knock-out in nine years to win the WBA Regular Welterweight title, defeating Argentine Lucas Matthysse.
With four losses in his last ten fights, some may argue Manny Pacquaio isn’t the fighter he once was. Having said that, his last performance against Matthysse silenced many doubters and suggested he’s still at world level.
With experience on his side, Pacquiao goes in as the favourite to win at 1/3 with Grosvenorsport.com
A lot at stake for Broner
With Pacquiao eyeing up Floyd Mayweather, should he be victorious, people may question where that leaves Adrien Broner in defeat. Losing this weekend would be ‘The Problem’s’ third fight in a row without a win and whether he would be motivated to build his way back up the rankings remains to be seen.
Despite once being ranked fifth on the Ring Magazine’s pound for pound list, Broner has failed to step up when he’s fought elite opposition with defeats to Marcos Maidana, Shawn Porter and Mikey Garcia on his record.
He’ll need to produce a career best performance if he’s to beat Pacquiao and he’ll go into the fight as the underdog at 9/4.
First Broner, then Mayweather
In comparing records, it is no surprise that Pacquiao goes into this fight the favourite having won an emphatic points decision against Jessie Vargas just two years ago, an opponent Broner could only manage a draw with in his last fight. With a rematch against Mayweather looming, a win for Pacquiao could see him secure that fight and guarantee yet another enormous purse which may just be the motivation the Filipino needs as he approaches the final stages of his career. I expect Adrien to cause Manny some problems, but I think the Pac-Man will outbox Broner and secure a points victory which can be backed at 10/11.
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