Manny Pacquiao wasted no time moving on from another firing of Floyd Mayweather by signing his exhibition fight.
The eight-weight world champion remains linked to a rematch with Mayweather seven years after their battle in Las Vegas.
However, Mayweather has moved on to a possible showdown in Dubai later this year, possibly in November. This scenario leaves the “Pac-man” free as a bird.
The Philippine legend, a leader in eight weight classes, will now face a former sparring partner in Jaber Zayani early next year.
Pacquiao and Zayani met a couple of years ago before the 43-year-old retired from professional boxing.
manny pacquiao
Yordenis Ugas replaced a failed Errol Spence headliner in the United States before Pacquiao suffered the unanimous decision loss.
Pacquiao has since agreed to negotiate with YouTube combat fighter DK Yoo and now Zayani. This leaves a second meeting with Mayweather off the table until at least May 2023.
Zayani, 18-0 and holder of the WBC Asia belt, made his pro debut in 2012. But fewer than two fights a year in a decade tell their own story.
Facing the man who became the oldest welterweight titleholder in July 2019, Zayanis is thrilled to be able to raise his profile.
“I personally negotiated with the Senator together with my team. After months of talks, we finally agreed on a showdown next year,” Zayani said.
“He already signed the contract, so it’s an opportunity,” Zayani added after using Filipino business manager Nico Rojas as an adviser.
Pacquiao vs. Zayani
Luis “Chavit” Singson, who has a checkered past with Pacquiao, helped oversee an unsanctioned eight-round event.
Pacquiao and Zayani will wear eight-ounce gloves for a matchup tentatively scheduled for mid-February at King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Continuing the discussion about the Pacquiao collision, Zayani added: “Call it an exhibition or something, but when the Senator signed the deal, I told him to prepare well because it would give him a real fight.
“Then he said to me, ‘You better be prepared,’ as they both promised fireworks.
“I was honest with Senator [Pacquiao is no longer in the Philippine senate after losing the Presidential election and being removed from the party] that I am seeing this as my greatest opportunity.
“I will surely maximize it. But my goal is to create a buzz and become a household name.
“Sure, the organizers are calling this an exhibition. But for me, it is an opportunity to showcase my talent as a future world champion.
“That’s going to be a December party [fight against DK Yoo] for the Senator. But once he finds me inside the right, he’ll get french toast.
combat
Those words are a far cry from when Zayani was happy to learn from Pacquiao in combat.
At the time, he stated, “When idols become rivals. It’s too soft. This man teaches me a lot.
“So now I think I can beat anyone if I got this from him.”
The question now is, do you think you can beat Manny Pacquiao?
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