MANNY PACQUIAO will return to the ring next year for a shock showdown with a Muay Thai icon.
The former eight-weight division champion, 45, called time on his Hall-of-Fame career in September 2021 following a points defeat to Yordenis Ugas.
Pacquiao, however, has repeatedly flirted with the prospect of lacing up his gloves over the last year and a half.
And he’s struck a deal to throw down with Muay Thai and kickboxing legend Buakaw in Thailand.
Pacman’s clash with Buakaw – which has been in the works for the last eight months – will take place at Bangkok’s Impact Arena on April 20.
The ‘Match of Legends’ – which will be contested over six three-minute rounds with two-minute breaks – will serve as the showpiece event for Thailand’s Fresh Air Festival.
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Fresh Air Festival CEO Vinij Lertratanachai said: “We are honoured to have Manny ‘PacMan’ Pacquiao and Buakaw Banchamek for this historic event.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you won’t want to miss.”
Pacquiao returned to the ring last December for an exhibition bout with South Korean martial artist DK Yoo.
It’s not yet known, however, if his clash with Bukaw will also be an exhibition.
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Nevertheless, the pride of the Philippines plans to put on a show against the beloved Buakaw.
He said: “I will do my best and give good action for fans to make them happy and enjoy the show.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “This is going to be an amazing fight.”
The announcement of Pacquiao’s ring return comes less than a week after UFC superstar Conor McGregor challenged him to face him in a blockbuster Saudi showdown.
The Notorious said: “It’s his sport. If he wants me to come down to a smaller weight, then we should use more of my weapon.
“I should be able to grapple, that’s more fair.
“Say it to him, ‘Be a man or a mouse!’ Is Manny a man or a mouse? That’s it!”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
