Conor Benn’s comeback looks set to be made official soon, and Manny Pacquiao is willing and ready to come out of retirement to challenge the undefeated Brit.
Benn had been expected to finally take on Chris Eubank Jr and complete a one-of-a-kind familial trilogy that spans over two generations of fighters.
The fight was scheduled for October last year, but cancelled in the wake of Benn’s notorious failed drugs tests.
Despite Eubank being the frontrunner for the 26-year-old’s Middle Eastern return fight, news recently broke that he will be bypassing Benn to attempt to avenge his defeat to Liam Smith instead.
Planet Sport reports that one of the other options – Manny Pacquiao – is willing to step up to the plate, almost two years since retirement following his defeat to Yordenis Ugas.
Head of MP Promotions and advisor of Senator Manny Pacquiao, Sean Gibbons, said as much.
“Manny Pacquiao has agreed to fight Conor Benn. Do me a favour, call Eddie Hearn. The ball is in his court. Senator Manny Pacquiao is happy to fight Conor Benn. Agreed – please call Eddie Hearn,”
“You know, we are looking at a few different options. We are looking at things, we are trying to figure some stuff out, so I hope something happens,”
There were previous rumours that Pacquiao would be the man to face Benn upon his return, although this is the most concrete news yet that the controversial fight has taken a step forward.
With Eubank unavailable, it appears that Benn has a choice between two retired former world champions, with Kell Brook’s name also linked to the bout which is expected to take place on June 3 in the UAE. An unnamed American opponent has also been mentioned.
