Just a month ago, MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons made it perfectly clear on Radyo5’s Power & Play sports show that Manny Pacquiao still plans on fighting—even as he is turning 45 this December.
Gibbons, in the same show, clarified that while the eight-time world champion prefers an official match, he is nonetheless open to exhibitions like the one he had with South Korean martial artist DK Yoo. The deal clincher, said Gibbons, is that the terms ought to be favorable to Pacquiao.
A month later and it appears the Pacman has found the right deal—for another exhibition fight.
The fighting pride of the Philippines will reportedly be taking on Muay Thai icon Buakaw Banchamek of Thailand in a boxing showcase billed “The Match of Legend.” The exhibition fight, which will feature six three-minute rounds, is scheduled for January 2024 in Banchamek’s home country, where Pacquiao famously knocked out Thai boxing great Chatchai Sasakul to win his first ever title—the WBC flyweight belt.
The Match of Legend was officially announced on Friday in a press conference at the ICONSIAM Park in Thailand. Present in said presser were the two legends themselves, who exchanged nice words and pleasantries throughout the nearly one-hour event. Both also promised to put on a show in their planned exhibition, which will be a showcase of two fighters who were once upon a time among the best in their respective sports.
Pacquiao, as reported by The Nation Thailand, arrived in Thailand on Thursday afternoon aboard a private jet. Thai sports insider Worathep Makapokha first broke the news on his Facebook page.