Pacquiao Signs Up For The Team Boxing League

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 12:26 AM ET

Manny Pacquiao has signed up with the Team Boxing League (TBL), as he will become a fighter, captain, and future owner.

Starting in 2026, the eight-division champ will serve as the league’s primary global ambassador, traveling across the US to promote the TBL. By 2027, “Pac-Man” will transition into the ownership group and lead the San Diego TJ’s expansion franchise as their team captain.

The TBL will offer bouts based on 24 separate three-minute rounds, where fighters participate in a single-round “sprint” before rotating out. Teams are required to field nine male weight classes (ranging from 126 to 205 lbs) and three female divisions (from 118 to 140 lbs), ensuring that the final result depends on the collective performance of 24 different athletes.

Scoring in the league is as follows: A 10-9 for a standard round win and 10-8 for a knockdown. Rather than judging the fight as a single unit, the TBL aggregates the scores from every one of the 24 rounds to determine the victor.

“I believe in the vision of TBL and what this league is building for the future of boxing. Team boxing brings a new level of excitement, strategy, and opportunity for fighters and fans. I’m proud to be part of TBL and look forward to contributing both inside and outside the ring,” Pacquiao said

“Manny Pacquiao is one of the most respected champions in the history of boxing, and his decision to join TBL is a defining moment for our league. From ambassador to owner to active competitor, Manny embodies everything TBL stands for — elite competition, innovation, and a team-first mindset. His involvement accelerates our mission to reshape the future of professional boxing,” Kevin Cassidy (the league’s CEO)

The Reality

In traditional boxing, if a boxer like Pacquiao loses, the entire event feels like a letdown. In the TBL format, Pacquiao could lose his “sprint” round, but his teammates could win their rounds to secure a team victory. This keeps the audience engaged through all 24 rounds, rather than just the main event. The “sprint” style allows fighters to exert 100% cardio without the fatigue of a 12-round fight.

Many purists will view this as bad for boxing. Boxing is traditionally a game of chess—where a fighter figures out their opponents over 36 minutes. By reducing a fighter’s contribution to a single three-minute burst, the TBL removes the “adjustments” that define great champions.

Aggregating 24 separate scores creates a margin for error. In a standard fight, three judges watch the same two people. Here, judges must track 24 different athletes across 12 weight classes. If a judge has a “bad night,” it doesn’t just affect one fight; it ripples through the entire team’s season standings.

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This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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