Is Manny Pacquiao Avoiding Black Fighters? John David Jackson Thinks So

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Former WBO light-middleweight and WBA middleweight champion John David Johnson has accused Manny Pacquiao of avoiding African-American fighters. The comments were first reported by Brent Matteo Alderson at boxingscene.com.

"Pacquiao never fights black fighters," he said. "Name one good black fighter he's fought in the last five years. He's avoided them like the plague."

Jackson is now a top trainer, training such names as Shane Mosley, Bernard Hopkins, Nate Campbell, and, most recently, up-and-coming knockout artist Randall Bailey.

"If you're pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world, fight everybody. You can't be selective; you have to fight the best.

"I don't know if it's been his management or promoters, but he avoids fighting African-American fighters. I'm not trying to be racist; it's just a fact. He doesn't fight them."

When pressed as to the kind of African-American fighters Pacquiao has avoided, Johnson said: "Nate Campbell and Floyd Mayweather. At 140 and 147, there are a lot of guys he can fight."

Pacquiao is due to to fight current IBO and The Ring light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton, who is British, in Las Vegas on May 2.

Pacquiao's camp have not commented on Johnson's remarks.

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