Manny Pacquaio will face Buakaw Banchamek in an exhibition boxing match on April 20, 2024. The bout was first revealed in July 2023, but more details have just been announced.
Billed as "The Match of Legends," the fight will be under international boxing rules, with six three-minute rounds with two-minute breaks in between. The fighters will compete at 154 lbs, or 70kg, the equivalent of super welterweight in boxing, or junior middleweight in Muay Thai.
The winner will receive a prize of $289,000 (10 million baht) and the 'WBC Legend Belt.'
Pacquiao last fought in August 2021, in a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas. Buakaw was active more recently, picking up a victory against fellow Thai boxing legend Saenchai in a bare-knuckle boxing match in November 2023.
Fans were wary of Buakaw's fight with Saenchai and whether it would be treated as more of a sparring match. However, the fight was surprisingly high stakes with both men landing hard shots and looking to take each other out.
Pacquaio and Buakaw have already faced off in anticipation of the match. The two fighting veterans squared off in Bangkok on July 21 to promote the fight.
"Thank you with great respect to Vinij Lertratanachai, Fresh Air Festival. Thank you also to Buakaw Banchamek and his team. Special thank you to LOL International. Thank you to all the fans and all the media for coming out and showing your support. This is going to be an amazing fight." (via Manny Pacquaio)
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