Manny Pacquiao says he 'feels pity' for Floyd Mayweather because he has 'forgotten his spiritual nourishments'

Manny Pacquiao (Photo: Twitter/Manny Pacquiao)

The war of words outside the ring continues between boxing rivals Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.

Pacquiao, a devout Christian, told The Telegraph he was ready to fight Mayweather but the American is "avoiding" a fight with him.

The pair have never actually come face to face in the ring and Pacquiao says he can live with it if it never happens.

"I'll never be frustrated if the Floyd fight doesn't happen ... I'm happy and content with the legacy I have in boxing, even if I don't fight Floyd," he said.

The fight would be "good for the sport" though, he concedes - it is expected the fight would be one of the highest grossing of all time if it ever happens.

"It's obvious he is avoiding a fight with me. He always makes excuses. Just make the fight and stop talking. I've made it clear that my phone line is always open for him to call me," said Pacquiao.

He added: "I pity him because all he thinks and does reflects the worldly aspects of life. He seems to have forgotten his spiritual nourishment."

It's not the first time Pacquiao has made comments about Mayweather's spiritual condition.  When Mayweather made a jibe about "Miss Pac Man" on his Instagram, Pacqiao responded by saying he was praying for the American to "change his ways". 

"He should fear God," said Pacquiao. 

Pacquiao, who has become increasingly involved in politics and professional basketball in his native Philippines, has spoken openly about his plans to retire from boxing in the next few years.

In The Telegraph interview he was open to the idea of fighting English boxer Amir Khan.  This weekend, Pacquiao will be back in the ring defending his World Boxing Organisation welterweight title against Chris Algieri in Macau, China.

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.