HOLLYWOOD superstar Sylvester Stallone recently talked to Ringside Digital’s Adam Smith and Johnny Nelson about Manny Pacquiao and Roberto Duran, admitting that the Filipino ring icon is still one of his favorite fighters.
The man behind the successful “Rocky” movie series has been in London this week, promoting his latest blockbuster, Creed.
Stallone, a big boxing fan, has had numerous famous fighters in his Rocky movies including Duran, James Toney, Antonio Tarver and most recently, Britain’s Tony Bellew.
But when he was asked by Smith and Nelson to reveal his favorite fighters, Pacquiao was the first name on his lips, despite the Filipino’s defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in May, 2015.
“I still think Manny Pacquiao is a great, great fighter,” Stallone praised Pacquiao.
The Rocky star added: “Of course, Roberto Duran. I sparred with him and really got hammered by him, really badly!”
Stallone told the audience at Creed’s European premiere at The Empire, Leicester Square on Wednesday, what he thought of Pacquiao despite his loss to unbeaten pound-for-pound king Mayweather.
Meanwhile, American World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder said that even though people will disagree, he’d like to see a rematch between Mayweather Jr. (now retired) and the eight-division world champion Pacquiao, who has announced that his third fight against Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 9, will be his farewell bout.
Appearing on Jenna Jay’s popular radio show “On The Ropes,” Wilder said: “Both guys said they would retire, but I think Floyd’s coming back. I would love to see Manny having a rematch with Floyd one more time. The first time I already knew what was gonna happen. It was a great performance from Floyd but I think a second time will be a closer fight.”
Wilder added: “I think that would be the fight I’d love to see. If Floyd wins, he beats Rocky Marciano’s (49-0) record and he can officially retire because I know he’s coming back. Floyd is not a guy that looks to be with anyone. He’s just not a person you think would retire with a tie with somebody. If Floyd wins, then he can successfully retire and making history as well by defeating Manny again. If Manny wins, he can also retire whether he wins, loses or draws.”
Asked by Jenna Jay what he thought of Pacquiao, the world heavyweight champion said: “I think a guy that was unknown and came to the States to be known and then to be able to do the things that he’s done, it’s amazing.”