Manny Pacquiao on Jon Jones: 'I Love His Athleticism'

by Fraser Coffeen on May 6, 2011 3:47 PM EDT in UFC Quotes

HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 20: Manny Pacquiao (R) of the Philippines spars with his coach Freddie Roach (L) during a media workout at the Wild Card Boxing Club on April 20, 2011 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

It's somewhat shocking how quickly we've seen the rise of UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones. The past few months have seen his rapid assent from hot prospect to unlikely title challenger to UFC champion to UFC poster boy. Now, the champ is getting praise from no less than Manny Pacquiao. The boxing mega-star talked to 5thRound about Jones:

"I love his athleticism and the way he conducts himself."

It's rare that we hear much comment back and forth between boxing and MMA's elite, so it's refreshing for a fighter of Pacquiao's stature to give a shout out to a UFC champion. And if you had any doubts about Jones's new status as the UFC's big name star, the fact that Pacquiao himself singles him out for praise should demonstrate just where Jones stands.

Don't forget to tune in this Saturday for Manny Pacquiao vs. Shane Mosley.

HT: MMA Mania

Tweet Comment 16 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I don’t like Jon Jones faux-humble demeanor, the Jesus shout outs and how he allegedly dicked over Rashad (a guy who I think Gray Maynard was right on the money about).

But even with all the personal dislikes, Jones is an amazing fighter. If he’s caught the eye of Pacman, he’s serious business.

by ihateemo on May 6, 2011 3:56 PM EDT reply actions

Boxers complimenting Mixed Martial Artists? It’s happening! The wall is coming down! It’s 1989 all over again except with more armchair finger waggling and less sledgehammers!

by Pyrgz Krum on May 6, 2011 4:02 PM EDT reply actions

David Haye loves MMA.

He’s made comments defending it from boxing talking heads and emphasizes the difficulty, differences between the sports, and skill level required. Stated that Anderson and Fedor were teh two fighters who stood out most to him, and he’s done limited grappling and MMA training to stay in shape.

For as much of a loudmouth as he is, I like Haye as the boxing guy who loves MMA. The fact that he’s a true athletic heavyweight, stays in shape between fights, and puts in serious gym time reflects well on the legitimacy of MMA as a sport.

"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe

by pdl on May 6, 2011 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Man, what are you doing making me like Haye?

He’s supposed to be the heel this summer in the biggest HW bout in years.

by paythefighters on May 7, 2011 3:10 AM EDT up reply actions

A lot of boxers like the sport

Just like a lot of MMA fighters like boxing. It’s the fans and the boxing media/promotors who try to make a wall between the two sports.

by HaterSlayer on May 7, 2011 3:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Jones told Pacquiao to say that

What a dick.

"If I had a dollar for every brain you don't have, I'd have one dollar." - Squidward Tentacles

by SSreporters on May 6, 2011 4:32 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs

hahahahaha thank you

Fine! I'll go build my own lunar lander, with blackjack and hookers. In fact, forget the lunar lander and the blackjack.

PRIDE fan boy

by gxc on May 6, 2011 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions

by Robust23 on May 6, 2011 4:53 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

reems bicep is the size of paqs head

Fine! I'll go build my own lunar lander, with blackjack and hookers. In fact, forget the lunar lander and the blackjack.

PRIDE fan boy

by gxc on May 6, 2011 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm more shocked that Pacquio's head is bigger than the Reem's

by paythefighters on May 7, 2011 3:13 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I'm more shocked Manny's wife actually looks good now

The wonders of money and plastic surgery

by nevergoasstomouth on May 7, 2011 6:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Didn't Pacquiao say at one point he'd be interested in trying MMA

only for his management and everyone to say something like no way.

by Robust23 on May 6, 2011 5:13 PM EDT reply actions

Just noticed you're a staff writer now Fraser!

That’s awesome. I’ve been missing your work since you went off to Liverkick.

Also, it’s pretty sweet that Pacman is giving Jones props.

Xtreme Couture- The best never rest! The girl in my av is Kari Sweets (you're welcome).

"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler."
-Socrates

by ElliotMatheny on May 6, 2011 5:20 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks man! Glad to be here and back in the SBN fold.

by Fraser Coffeen on May 6, 2011 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Fraser

I just noticed you over here. I’ve been reading at liverkick since it started. Are you done writing over there? or are you writing for both sites?

by Spyker on May 6, 2011 8:12 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, I have made the switch and am now exclusively over here at BloodyElbow. I’ve got nothing but love for Dave and the LK team, but wanted to make the switch over to here, and am now very glad to be a part of BloodyElbow.

Staff Writer - BloodyElbow.com
Follow me on Twitter: @FCoffeen

by Fraser Coffeen on May 7, 2011 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions