Manny Pacquiao has begun training ahead of a potential bout with Conor Benn.
Pacman’s last professional fight was a 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas. Since then, he has had one exhibition fight with DK Yoo. He beat Yoo via a unanimous decision, but his next fight has been in limbo. Pacquiao announced a rematch with Floyd Mayweather at a RIZN 45 event, but Mayweather’s failure to confirm the bout makes it unlikely to happen.
“Manny Pacquiao spoke about that, and he shouldn’t have. Because there’s a time and a place for everything. I’m not going to say he’s right [about the fight happening] or he’s wrong. I don’t have to say anything. Just by you saying my name, they gave me a check for four million. I don’t like to throw certain individuals under the bus, because we don’t do that. [But], he said my name when he wasn’t supposed to,” Mayweather stated
Pacquiao vs Benn
Manny was also ruled out of fighting at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. But Benn has become the latest name linked to Pacquiao. Eddie Hearn confirmed that talks were ongoing about fighting in Saudi Arabia.
Benn cannot fight in the UK due to his two failed VADA tests for Clomiphene.
UKAD suspended him in April last year, and the Anti-National-Doping Agency removed the suspension. The British Boxing Board of Control have appealed that, meaning Benn can only fight in the UK once cleared in front of the board. That is why Hearn is looking at Pacquiao vs Benn in Saudi. The two boxers saw each other in Saudi ahead of the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou build-up.
“We’re talking. This is a fight I love between one of the legends of the sport against one of the biggest young lions at 147 lbs. If we can make this fight, we’d be very happy out here in Saudi Arabia or at Wembley Stadium. We’ll see, but we’re talking. I love the match-up. Idols become rivals. This is a great fight and we’ll see what happens,” Hearn said
“Yes, we can give a good fight and entertain the fans. It’s been a while since I fought a young fighter like him, so I’m excited about that. I hope that we can get it done before we go back home,” Pacquiao
Pacquiao’s Training
By the looks of it, Manny is getting ready for the bout. The following footage shows the fighter shadow boxing. Manny’s hand speed is still visible as he moves around with his pinpoint footwork.
But at 45, there is a danger that the boxer risks his wellbeing. He is not the same fighter that he used to be. Given that Benn is 27 years old, the age difference may prove problematic. There is also an argument that Benn does not deserve a huge fight until he clears his name with the board.
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