Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed he is in discussions with eight-division World champion Manny Pacquiao over a potential deal that could see the Filipino ring legend return to action on the DAZN streaming platform.
Pacquiao, who captured the WBA ‘Regular’ World welterweight title with a dominant seventh round TKO win against Lucas Matthysse in July, has made no secret of the fact that he is currently a promotional free agent and, as expected, he has not been short of potential suitors ahead of his return to the ring.
With long-time promoter Bob Arum also throwing his name in the hat to host Pacquiao’s next bout on ESPN+, Hearn has moved quickly in presenting the 39-year-old with a potentially lucrative promotional package.
Though he admitted that a deal had not yet been struck, Hearn stated that he believed the talks between the two camps were positive, before revealing that he understood Pacquiao and his team would seek to play the field with regards to gaining the best possible offer.
“It [the conversation with Pacquiao] was alright.” said Hearn in an interview with Tha Boxing Voice.
“I mean, I think they are going to be talking to everybody, as I would if I was Manny Pacquiao.”
Though he has afforded his boxing career less-and-less time in recent years due to political responsibilities in his homeland, Pacquiao still remains one of the sport’s biggest financial draws.
It is the considerable pull of Pacquiao – perhaps coupled with his advancing years – that has led Hearn to seek to acquire his services. Also in possession of former unified super lightweight champion Amir Khan, Hearn has made no secret of his desire to match the two men together in a money-spinning welterweight encounter.
However, it would appear that any such deal would be reliant on Pacquiao signing with the newly-launched DAZN platform which – according to Hearn – would be able to present the ‘Pac-Man’ with the most financially attractive option.
“DAZN would be very interested in having Manny on the platform.” Hearn continued.
“Manny is very interested as well – but again, I’m guessing he’ll talk to everyone, see what the best deal is for Manny Pacquiao and make a decision.”
“I think DAZN is a good option for Manny Pacquiao right now. In terms of rights fees, they can pay more than anyone else.”
Despite undoubtedly entering the twilight of his career, Pacquiao’s performance against Argentinean banger Matthysse proved he still has plenty left in the tank.
Whether he chooses to sign with Hearn and DAZN – and effectively secure a deal to face former sparring partner Khan in the process – or seek other opportunities, it appears that Pacquiao has plenty of options as he looks to cash in on his extraordinary 23-year-career.
