Manny Pacquiao and Conor Benn look to be on the verge of announcing a showdown after the two men went face-to-face in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
The fighters met on stage at the Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou weigh-in, and revealed that talks are at an advanced stage for them to square off in the ring.
Eight-weight world champion Pacquiao last fought in August 2021, losing his WBA welterweight title to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision.
Unbeaten Benn was in action last month, defeating Peter Dobson by unanimous decision, in what was his second fight since his failed drugs test in the build-up to his proposed clash with Chris Eubank Jr in October 2022.
The two fighters spoke about the proposed clash following the Joshua vs. Ngannou weigh-in, with both appearing to all but confirm it.
Pacquiao: “Yes. I believe he can give a good fight. It’s been a while since I have fought a young fighter like him and I am excited for that.”
Benn: “It wasn’t on my radar. It’s idols to rivals and the public demand it and if the public want it the public are going to get it. I’ve not hidden the face that I want to get to 160 or 154 to fight legends of the game. I’ll fight any man. I’ll fight anyone put in front of me – if the public want it they can get it.”
An official announcement on the proposed fight looks to be expected soon.