Manny Pacquiao Signs On For Exhibition With Jaber Zayani, February in Saudi Arabia

Former eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, 43, has signed up for an exhibition fight with French boxer Jaber Zayani.

According to the Manila Times, the contracts for the exhibition match were formally signed early last week at Pacquiao’s home in Makati City.

The fight will be played over eight rounds with eight-ounce gloves, on a February date at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Pacquiao retired from the sport last year, just weeks after his twelve-round decision loss to Yordenis Ugas last August in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao has already signed up for a six-round exhibition match against Korean YouTuber DK Yoo, which is scheduled for December 10 in Seoul, South Korea.

Zayani is an undefeated lightweight contender with a record of 18-0 with 11 knockouts.

He served as Pacquiao’s sparring partner in 2019, helping the Filipino superstar prepare for his title fight with Keith Thurman.

Zayani has a promotional deal with Saudi Prince Al-Walid Ben Talal, who has assigned Abdullah Al Murad, through Elite Sports Athletes (ESA), to manage the event.

“I personally negotiated with the senator along with my team and after months of talks we finally agreed on a showdown next year. He already signed the contract so it’s an opportunity,” Zayani told the newspaper.

“Call it an exhibition or something, but when the senator signed the deal, I told him to prepare well because I would give him a real fight. Then he told me, ‘you better be prepared.’

“I was honest with the senator that I am looking at this as my biggest opportunity, which I will surely make the most of. My goal is to create a buzz and become a household name. Sure, the organizers call this a showcase, but for me, it’s a chance to showcase my talent as a future world champion. That will be a December Samgyup party for the senator, but once I’m inside the right, he’ll get a French toast.”