Filipino boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao seems unstoppable as he returns into action for another thrilling match.
The 44-year-old fighter is coming out of his 2021 retirement to face Muay Thai icon Buakaw Banchamek in an exhibition match next year.
The clash is expected to be one of the classic matches of all time, dubbing it as “The Match of Legends.”
At 41-year-old, Buakaw, who is regarded as one of the greatest Thai kickboxers to live is known for his devastating switch kick. The former #1 ranked fighter at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium, he has 240 kickboxing wins with 73 knockouts, 24 losses, and 14 draws. He is a two-time K-1 World Max champion and won the 2011 and 2012 editions of the Thai Fight tournament
Meanwhile, Pacquiao, the only boxer to become champion across eight weight divisions, has a professional record of 62 wins including 39 knockouts, eight losses, and two draws. The former senator retired from professional boxing in 2021 after he lost via unanimous decision to Cuban fighter Yordenis Ugas.
“I will do my best and give good action for fans to make them happy and enjoy the show. Thank you with great respect to Vinij Lertratanachai, Fresh Air Festival. Thank you also to Buakaw Banchamek and his team,” said Pacquiao.
This will be his first fight after dominating South Korean mixed martial artist DK Yoo in an exhibition bout in December last year. Pacquiao was supposed to face his former sparring partner Jaber Zayani last February in an exhibition, but the bout has not yet taken place.
In the much-anticipated encounter, the game will be fought under boxing rules: six three-minute rounds, with two-minute breaks in between, and a catchweight of 70 kilograms or 154 pounds. It has a budget of about $25 million or ₱1.36 billion, according to event organizers. The venue has yet to be announced.IMT Sports
