Manny Pacquiao has begun tentative training for a December exhibition against a combat YouTuber as rumors of a comeback mount.
“Pacman” is signed to fight DK Yoo in Seoul before the season festivities, but is continually linked to facing Floyd Mayweather.
A fifth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez is also a potential option, but only unofficially.
All three are currently under “retired” status. However, Mayweather has stated that one of his next three fights will be a full professional contest.
Floyd Mayweather
Mayweather is aiming to win $200 million in prize money over the next twelve months. Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor are the only two fighters capable of generating that kind of money.
Therefore, Pacquiao is the overwhelming favorite to get the go-ahead for what could become a major event in the Middle East.
Talks began between Mayweather and Pacquiao in 2020, as first reported by World Boxing News. They finally ended when the conditions around Covid-19 made it unfeasible.
Next year allows for a rekindling of those negotiations with Saudi businessmen who previously financed Oleksandr Usyk’s dominant win over Anthony Joshua.
As WBN has pointed out more than once, it’s no secret Middle Eastern investors want to put on Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2. But for now, both legends are busy with other agendas.
Manny Pacquiao vs DK Yoo
Pacquiao has DK Yoo in his sights. Mayweather has a date with a Japanese MMA star on September 24 in Tokyo. Millions will be pocketed for his efforts.
Hopefully, after their respective mismatches are over, fans will get to see the biggest display of all time, be it that or another professional fight between the pair.
Undoubtedly, there are unfinished business where both are concerned.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao took a leaf out of Mayweather’s book with a cryptic message for the fans. In the video, he used one of Mayweather’s adopted catchphrases.
“The greatest wealth is health. Always stay physically and mentally fit,” Pacquiao said, a catchphrase used by Mayweather before. This post could be a subtle sign of things to come come 2023.
exhibition rematch
Turning 44 in December, Pacquiao may not be willing to return to full professional status for the Mayweather rematch. Instead, they can settle for the most lucrative exhibition ever signed.
Mayweather will be 46 on his next birthday and is already a grandfather.
However, none of the multiple weight world champions have lost their appetite for the sport. This setting is welcome news for fans who aren’t quite ready to let them ride off into the sunset just yet.
WBN editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. He follows WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
