Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have yet to set a second showdown but the two prizefighters appear to be engaged in a brewing war of words. Supposedly, the undefeated American called his Filipino rival an "old man" and the labeling did not sit well with the Pacman. In response, Pacquiao said Mayweather is just envious.
The Filipino boxing icon was reacting to the recent statement made by Mayweather, in which the latter expressed surprise that young fighters are running after the world title-holder. If it's up to him, Mayweather said Pacquiao should be left alone and rising boxers should be brawling among themselves.
Pacquiao thought the observation made by the Money was out of place, saying in an interview with The Manila Times that the words came from a man overwhelmed by jealousy.
"He is just envious because he's already retired. We're still active and have a crown," the boxing champ was reported as saying.
He indicated further that his brand of boxing will be around for quite some time as retirement is not yet in his mind. Pacquiao said he continues on his training regimen and despite the inactivity caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the fighting legislator boasted he is as fit as a bull.
And the boxing icon, winner of multiple belts in different divisions, made clear that opinions coming from Mayweather will not bother him at all.
It could be that the two legends will be locked in a spar of words soon but according to Talk Sport, a verbal tussle erupting might be for the wrong reasons. The report suggested that Mayweather's words were taken out of context and possibly Pacquiao got the wrong message.
In the original interview with Fight Hype, the American declared Pacquiao has the prerogative to pick who he wants to box with because of his accomplishments. Mayweather said he sees his former opponent in a good and secure place, meaning there is no need for the Filipino to fight for money.
That Pacquiao is already 41 and has made wise investments out of his boxing earnings should be reason enough for the likes of Terence Crawford and Danny Garcia to stop insinuating that they want to face off with the world champion.
Mayweather said: "Stop chasing this old man." But he hastened to add that he has nothing against Pacquiao.
The retired fighter pointed to a host of opportunities waiting for new boxers wanting to achieve the same level of greatness as a Pacquiao or a Mayweather. The wise thing to do is take a shot at these opportunities whenever possible instead of focusing too much on fighting a boxing icon like Pacquiao.
