Manny Pacquiao Returns to the Ring Against Muay Thai Stars in Bangkok

Bangkok, Beritasatu.com – Former boxer Manny Pacquiao (44) will return to the ring. The collector of world champions in eight different classes will face former Muay Thai athlete Buakaw Banchamek (41) in an exhibition match that will be held in Bangkok, Thailand in 2024.

The fight will be held at Icon Siam Park, in boxing rules. Although there is no exact date yet, the fight will be held in the first quarter of 2024. The promoter of the event, Vinij Lertratanachai, refers to this fight as “The Match of Legend.”

Pacquiao, a former Philippine senator who has also contested the 2022 Philippine presidential election, will face Buakaw in six rounds of boxing. The fight will be held in a weight limit format of 70 kilograms.

“In this fight, Buakaw is only allowed to use his hands,” said Vinij in a press conference that was held on Friday (21/7/2023).

“As a Muay Thai star, this will be a new challenge for him. However, the extraordinary skills possessed by these two fighters will make for an unforgettable performance,” added Vinij, quoted from Boxingscene.

Pacquiao admitted that he was very happy to be back in Thailand, the country where he won his first world title in 1998. “I am happy to be back here after so many years,” Pacquiao said with a smile.

Even though this was an exhibition match, Pacquiao didn’t want to underestimate his opponent. “I need maximum preparation because Buakaw is a great fighter. At least 90% of all my abilities are needed to fight him,” Pacquiao said.

Meanwhile, Buakaw admits that he is ready to face new challenges in the world of boxing. “I love Muay Thai, but boxing will provide an amazing opportunity for me to show what I’m capable of with my hands,” said Buakaw.

The date, location, ticket price, and pay per view (PPV) will be announced by the promoter soon. It is not yet known how much payment the two fighters will receive, but the promoters admit that the total investment for the fight is US$ 25 million (around Rp. 376 billion).

Pacquiao last took to the ring when he faced Korean Youtuber DK Yoo at the Korea International Exhibition Center, Goyang, South Korea, December 11, 2022. The boxer nicknamed Pacman, who has a professional fight record of 62 wins (39 KOs), 2 draws and 8 losses (5 KOs), successfully won absolute numbers in a 6-round exhibition battle.

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