Boxing legend Bernard Hopkins, like Manny Pacquiao, knows a little about fighting into the twilight of your career.
The now 54-year-old only retired from active duty in boxing three years ago.
Bernard Hopkins on Manny Pacquiao
And at age 49, the evergreen Hopkins was a record-breaking unified light-heavyweight world champion.
‘The Executioner’ predicts an even more extended stint in the sport for one said Filipino Senator.
Upon witnessing Pacquiao defeat Keith Thurman in Las Vegas, a title holder ten years his junior, Hopkins says the eight-weight ruler can go comfortably past his half-century.
“Pacquaio probably will break my record. Ha can fight way into his 50s,” Hopkins predicted to Elie Seckbach of ES News.
“That’s because he lives right. He’s got a good bounce in his legs. He also has a good spirit. Pacquiao looks energetic. He still looks like he can handle anybody out there that’s younger than him.”
On future opponents for Pacquiao, Hopkins doesn’t see many of the best welterweights wanting a piece of the dangerous 40-year-old.
“Ain’t too many people grabbin’ Pacquiao to use him as a big name to extend or put credibility on (their) record.
“Manny now is probably ducked by many young fighters,” Hopkins concluded.
MAYPAC 2
Pacquiao has been linked to a huge rematch with Floyd Mayweather in 2020. This is something that is of considerable interest to the WBA welterweight belt holder.
Mayweather recently stated his intention to secure a lot of money for an exhibition in Japan, apparently without the consent of his major rival.
Instead, Pacquiao wants a full-on, American-style Pay-Per-View extravaganza in Las Vegas, pretty much in the same ilk as their 2015 meeting.
That looks increasingly unlikely the longer Mayweather stays out of action as ‘Money’ last graced the ring competitively that same year he fought and defeated Pacquiao.
It seems the only chance fans have is for the pair to get it on over the next twelve months in a clash that easily generates $200 million plus in revenue.
Now 42, time is fast running out for the ‘Money’ man to take home another nine-figure check.
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