Manny Pacquiao has revealed how he was given fresh motivation to return to boxing after watching Kell Brook’s world title fight with Gennady Golovkin.
The Filipino star retired from the sport after winning his rematch with Timothy Bradley on points in April, but the 37-year-old regained his hunger for success after studying Golovkin’s fifth-round stoppage win over Brook in September.
Reflecting on his reasons for returning to boxing, Pacquiao told the Daily Mail: “I happened to see Triple G fighting Brook and suddenly I feel lonely. Sad.
“I find myself thinking that I’m no longer doing the sport I love. I know I still have the speed, the power and the hunger and I am asking myself: ‘why didn’t I continue?’
“I don’t normally watch other fights. But for some reason I did this time. I am thinking I know what Brook should be doing to have a chance. Countering instead of taking on a big hitter.
“Golovkin is bigger, stronger. He is not only a powerful puncher but he is heavy handed. There is a difference. A heavy-handed opponent can hurt even if he doesn’t land clean. However they hit you, it makes you think.
“I’m fighting this fight in my mind. And I’m hooked, again. In that moment my decision to come back is made.”
