By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Former heavyweight champion George Foreman believes that eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, who lost a hugely controversial split decision to Timothy Bradley and a sixth-round knockout defeat at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez, will be on top of the world again soon.

“All the odds are in his favor to become champion again,” said Foreman.

In an interview with Jenna Jay of Doghouse Boxing, Foreman noted that “the one thing about it is, if you get defeated especially by a knockout, it’s a physical thing that happened to you, not a whole lot of psychological disadvantages. But physically, you’ve got to heal inside. Pacquiao is well trained, he’s always in good condition, so the healing process is sped up because of that.”

Foreman recalled that when he was stopped by Muhammad Ali in Zaire, he was shamed in Africa, but came back 22 years later to be the heavyweight champion again and was the top contender two years after his loss.

Asked what would it accomplish for Pacquiao, Foreman said: “I think that he has a goal now to get that title, walk around the ring with that belt and travel back to his country and make everybody so happy and proud of him. Then, there is nothing else to achieve.”

Jay recalled that Foreman said in the past that Pacquiao didn’t need Floyd Mayweather Jr. and said his position is still the same, even if the undefeated boxer offered the Filipino ring icon a fight now.

Foreman said Pacquiao should not consider a Mayweather fight.

“Not at all. I think he should just go back and forget about all of his past opponents, forget about all of his letdowns and go back and decide I want to be the champion of the world again. Forget, any name or any opponent or preconception of any opponent. Go back and win the title because his legacy will not be decided on a name of his opponent but on his accomplishments,” he said.

Foreman’s parting words to Pacquiao: “Forget about everybody and get that title. Make your family proud and walk away from the sport.”