Some fight experts might view boxing's best pound-for-pound fighter as a star that is on the verge of being past his prime, as Pacquiao prepares to battle another aging fighter, Juan Manuel Marquez, in November.
But as some boxers start seeing their skills diminish as they approach their mid-30s, Pacquiao doesn't appear to be slowing down.
"I still feel young and strong," said the welterweight last week.
That's encouraging news for Pacquiao fans, who might be concerned that the southpaw will face the toughest test of his career in his WBO title fight against Marquez, a Mexican fighter who remains bitter about a controversial split-decision loss to Pacquiao in a March 2008 rematch at the super featherweight division.
The first time the two boxers met was in 2004, and the fight ended in a controversial draw. The two bouts were fought at 125 and 130 pounds. The November fight will be at a contracted 144 pounds.
Pacquiao's fan base want a convincing victory this time around to dispell the notion that he is nothing short of the best boxer of his generation. Pacquiao has reportedly been training at an increased rate, and plans to fight more tactically this time around.
"In the first two fights, we got careless trying to land one good shot," said famed trainer Freddie Roach, according to The Philippine Star.
While many expect the fight to go the distance, Roach said he is "pretty confident" Pacquiao will knock out Marquez.
Roach and Pacquiao are certainly taking Marquez seriously, as the 38-year-old hard-hitter plans to enact revenge in Las Vegas.
"Lots of people saw the last two fights end controversially," said Marquez. "This time I'm looking for a knockout with more intelligence and patience."
Meanwhile, the fight everyone wants to see is Pacquiao against Floyd Mayweather Jr., and that could be forthcoming as Mayweather gets set to fight southpaw Victor Ortiz on Saturday.
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