By Boxing Scene Staff
September 10, 2022
Source: Boxing Scene
Photo Source: Aliena, MP Promotions
Eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao, who retired from boxing in 2021, is considering the possibility of taking an exhibition fight in the month of January in Saudi Arabia.
Pacquiao, 43-years-old, is in talks to face former sparring partner Jaber Zayani in Riyadh. Zayani (18-0, 11 KOs), a French boxer who competes in the Philippines, is looking to make his make in the lightweight division. “We will just start discussions," Pacquiao explained to Agence France-Presse. Pacquiao's career rival, five division champion Floyd Mayweather, has taken part in several exhibition bouts since retiring from the sport in 2017.
He took part in is first exhibition in December 2019, when he blew away kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa. Last year, he fought over eight rounds with social media star Logan Paul. Then in May, he faced off with former sparring partner Don Moore. And later this month he will collide with MMA fighter Mikuru Asakura of Japan.
Last year, Pacquiao decided to walk away after losing a twelve round decision to WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas, who came in as a late replacement after WBC/IBF champion Errol Spence was forced to withdraw with injury.
Pacquiao is already scheduled to take part in a charity fight on December 10 in Seoul, against South Korean YouTuber DK Yoo. The bulk of the money will be sent to the country of Ukraine, which is currently under attack by Russia. “I will prepare in the same way I train for a real fight,” Pacquiao said.
One thing Pacquiao won't consider, is returning to the ring for a fully sanctioned fight. Those days are over.
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