Manny Pacquiao could ‘wind up like Muhammad Ali’, fears Bob Arum – ‘he can’t take that punishment’
- Legendary promoter thinks the Filipino suffered a lot of damage against Keith Thurman
- ‘He’s over 40, he’s gotta watch out … I really am worried’
Bob Arum is scared Manny Pacquiao could “wind up like Muhammad Ali” if the Filipino icon keeps on fighting into his 40s.
The 40-year-old turned back the clock to take a split decision in Las Vegas and become the oldest WBA welterweight champion. Arum still has concerns, comparing the scenario to the neurological brain damage suffered by Ali over the course of his legendary career.
“Manny’s a terrific guy and he looked very good in that fight,” Arum told Fight Hub TV. “But if you watch that fight, he took a lot of punishment, and he’s over 40.
“He’s gotta watch out. He can’t take that kind of punishment at that age and wind up – god forbid – like Muhammad Ali. I mean, I’m really concerned.
“Did he look good in that fight? Sure. If he was 35 or 30, and he had done the same, hey, really great, you know? You don’t worry about him so much. But in his 40s? To take punishment like that? I really am worried. He knows how I feel.”