Pacquiao tagged as underdog against Spence

MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao, the only boxer in the planet to win world titles in eight weight classes, would rather be the underdog while fighting “the best in the world.”

At 42 and with visions of becoming the next Philippine president, Pacquiao is facing a young, formidable foe in WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. in Las Vegas on Aug. 21.

Meanwhile, retired superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr. will take on YouTube sensation Logan Paul in an exhibition match in Miami, Florida on June 6.

It’s easy to pick the real fight between the two.

Spence at 31 is much younger and at 5’9” stands three inches taller. He is undefeated in 27 fights with 21 knockouts.

Pacquiao had been there and done that in 71 fights as a professional with 62 wins and 39 knockouts, seven defeats and two draws.

The Filipino senator hasn’t fought in nearly two years or since he outpointed Keith Thurman in July of 2019.

But the heavy-handed icon said the layoff should work in his favor because it gave his aging body more time to rest.

Oddsmakers, however, don’t see it the way Pacquiao does, and initially tagged him as a huge underdog.

With 88 days to the potential Fight of the Year, Pacquiao was listed at +300 ($100 wins $300) while Spence, who nearly lost his life in a horrific car crash late in 2019, was at -400 ($400 only good for $100).

No one is surprised.

Not even Pacquiao’s very close ally, former Ilocos Sur Gov. and now Narvacan town Mayor Luis “Chavit” Singson.

“Dehado (underdog) talaga siya,” he said.

“Pero alam naman natin si Manny na hindi umaatras sa laban. Manny’s experience and conditioning will be the key to his victory in this tiff,” said Singson.

The current president of the Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA) is putting his money on Pacquiao.

“I will do it as a close friend and fellow Filipino,” he said.