Manny Pacquiao is the only eight-weight world champion in the history of the sport of boxing, but it appears his journey isn’t over just yet.
The Filipino fighter last fought in a 2021 welterweight loss to Yordenis Ugas, and many felt he would retire immediately after. That official decision never came.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, ‘PacMan’ confirmed that he would be fighting in an exhibition this year.
“I’m still active. Training. I have exhibition match this coming December, in Japan. We’re working on the opponent.”
As for an opponent, Pacquiao hoping it will be old foe Floyd Mayweather.
The pair let their match-up – ultimately a unanimous decision win for the American – marinate too long when they were both pros, but as exhibitions go it would be one of the best fans have seen.
“We’re working with Mayweather. Yes. If he wants [do it for real, we can.] Still working on it.”
Showtime Boxing is set to leave the sport of boxing this year, and it has been rumoured that one of the broadcaster’s final shows will feature ‘Money’ Mayweather.
The fighter-turned-politician is a busy man, his other irons in the fire being a return to the amateur scene to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. There is currently a request pending.
“Yeah that’s what we are trying to do right now. Request to the Olympics committee to allow me to participate. There’s an age limit, so if they accept me to participate then I can fight.”
Finally, Pacquiao is not ruling out a professional return just yet. In fact, he said he was open to facing Mayweather protege, Gervonta Davis.
“Davis is a good fighter. If he wants to come up to 147 then we can fight. 145 maybe … That’s not a problem for me, cause I’m an experienced fighter.”
Plenty of plans for the soon-to-be Hall of Famer, and fans will keep a keen eye on which one, if any, comes off.