Manny Pacquiao once was considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in professional boxing. Now, at 34, he is trying to show the boxing world he can still fight.
Pacquiao, who is coming off two straight defeats for the first time in his professional career, will be battling a hungry, younger fighter in Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios in Macau (People’s Republic of China) on Nov. 23. The two had a press conference in Chinatown Tuesday as the first stop in the U.S. for the 23,722-mile international tour.
Pacquiao hasn’t fought since December, when he was knocked out by rival Juan Manuel Marquez in the sixth round.
Some questioned his fighting ability after the bout was over, but Pac-Man felt that he was in tip-top shape when it was time to put the gloves on.
“My condition was amazing,” he said. “My condition at the time was one of the best in my career and it just happened that Marquez gave me a good shot, but if we watch the fight again, it was one of the best conditions I was in.”
Rios hasn’t faced anyone notable yet, but his 31-1 record, with 23 knockouts, speaks for itself. Pacquiao said the 27-year old from Lubbock, Texas, should give him a good challenge.
“I chose Rios because I know he is a good fighter, and I know he can give a good fight and that there will be a lot of action in the ring,” Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao has had a lot on his plate outside the ring. He was elected congressman in the Philippines in 2010 for the district of Sarangani, but contends the role hasn’t detracted from his boxing career.
“I still focus on being in the ring,” he said. “I am able to do both and have shown I can do both, so it doesn’t distract me in any way.”
Rios isn’t showing any signs of being scared of a legend.
“It’s not if I beat Pacquiao — it’s when I beat Pacquiao,” he said. “Everyone is talking about [Floyd] Mayweather and Pacquiao, and it’s not going to happen because I am going to … put an end to the talk.”
Rios, though, feels honored Pacquiao chose him for the fight and said he is thankful for the opportunity to fight one of the all-time greats.
“It means a lot,” Rios said. “I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for the longest time and now I get to face Pacquiao, and I am not going to let it slide through my fingers. I going to work hard in the gym and be in the best shape of my life.”
jsilverberg@nypost.com