Philippine Senator and WBA welterweight champ Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs) is set to take on former world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (33-3-1, 24 KOs) in his next fight. Pacquiao will square off against Broner on Saturday January 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas live on Showtime Pay per view.
“This fight is going to be a good fight.This isn’t an easy fight vs. Adrien Broner. It will be a hard fight,” Pacquiao told SouthernCaliforniaBoxing.com “I'm going to have a good convincing win like my last fight with Matthysse,” Pacquiao added.
Coming off a spectacular knockout over former world champion, the hard hitting Argentine Lucas Matthysse in Malaysia. Pacquiao returned to his old ways in scoring the knockout victory.
"It was a good win for me. I showed in that fight that I still have it.," Pacquiao on his win over Matthysse. "I have to work hard in camp like I did for the Matthysse fight," Pacquiao added.
Pacquiao has began his training camp with his Buboy Fernandez and returned with hall of fame trainer Freddy Roach to prepare for the flashy Broner.
"We need Freddy, we met and we are ready," Pacquiao on reuniting with Roach.
“Manny reached out directly. We sat together one on one. I’ll be in his corner Jan. 19,” Freddie Roach said.
For Broner, he is coming off a draw against Jessie Vargas this past April in a competitive fight. Prior to that he dropped a decision to Mikey Garcia in a one sided fight and was handed a decision against Adrian Granados. His last convincing win was a stoppage over Ashley Theophane last year in February.
“Adrien Broner doesn’t bother me. He is a funny guy. I think after his boxing career, he has another career. A comedian career," Pacquiao on Broner. "He is a fast, good boxer. "My advantage will be my power and speed. It's a good challenge for me and its a big challenge. His style reminds me of Floyd Mayweather," Pacquiao in reference to Broner's style.
There is talk of a potential rematch with Floyd Mayweather, if Pacquaio gets passed Broner. Mayweather and Pacquiao were seen together in September at a rave in Japan as the two were apparently looking to strike a deal.
"If the fight happens with Floyd after. Adrien is a good opponent to prepare me for him. It's a good fight for me if that fight happens. The first fight was doubtful. I'm not regretting what happened the first fight," Pacquiao on a potential rematch with Floyd. "I am not thinking about that. I'm thinking of January 19. I have to focus on this fight and Adrien Broner,. My focus is Broner, not Floyd" Pacquiao stated.
This will be Paquiao's first fight under the PBC banner as he signed a promotional deal with Al Haymon. After a long stint under Top Rank, Pacquiao had his best years while promoted by Top Rank. Which includes wins over future Hall of Famer's Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Oscar de La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, and Timothy Bradley.
"I'm not here to talk about or say anything bad about Top Rank. They helped me and got me to where I am," Pacquiao said.
Now in partnering with Haymon, Pacquiao will not only be fighting but also look to co-promote his MP Promotions stable of young fighters.
"I am really thankful to partner with Al," Pacquiao said. "I will also work with him to help promote many of my young fighters in the Philippines," Pacquiao added.
Following his highly questionable decision loss to Jeff Horn in Australia. Many thought that Pacquiao was on his way to focus on his new political career and leave boxing behind. Pacquiao however returned in the summer and made a statement.
"I have continued my career in boxing because it's my passion," Pacquiao said. "I think, I have about 3 more fights,"
Pacquiao now looks to begin the next chapter in his career.
“I want to prove in this fight that Manny Pacquiao is still in the hunt. The Manny Pacquiao journey still continues and I want to prove it January 19th,” Pacquiao concluded.
Follow Miguel on Twitter @MigMaravilla