At the age of 45, an age when many of his contemporaries have hung up their gloves, Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is defiantly vowing to remain active in the ring.
The upcoming year promises to be a busy one for the eight-division champion, with a series of noteworthy matches on the horizon.
More than a year following his triumphant return to the ring against DK Yoo in 2022, Pacquiao is gearing up for the “Match of Legends” set on April 20 in Bangkok against Muay Thai legend Buakaw Buanchamek.
Then suddenly, Floyd Mayweather’s name cropped up when Pacquiao made a surprising announcement during his recent appearance at Rizin 45 in Japan alongside Rizin chief executive Nobuyuki Sakakibara.
In a video shared on Rizin’s social media accounts, Sakakibara asked Pacquiao, “Can you please fight Floyd Mayweather next year?”
In a surprising reply, Pacquiao said: “Thank you so much for inviting me here again. I’m sorry for the last time that we promised we were going to fight this year, but as Sakakibara explained, this year I will see you here in Japan again with a big fight against…”
Pacquiao’s revelation hung momentarily before Sakakibara interjected, suggesting Mayweather.
Pacquiao confirmed with enthusiasm, “Floyd Mayweather, yeah. I thought you didn’t want me to say that. But I’m excited for that. Thank you for always supporting Rizin, and thank you, Sakakibara-san.”
Pacquiao had signed with Rizin in April 2019, expanding his reach beyond traditional boxing.
Mayweather and Pacquiao first met in the ring in May 2015, billed as the “Fight of the Century,” ending with Mayweather winning via unanimous decision, maintaining his undefeated record.
The exhibition against Buakaw, will be six three-minute rounds, interspersed with two-minute breaks—a format that promises an exhilarating spectacle for fight enthusiasts.
While details regarding broadcast rights are yet to be disclosed, it is anticipated that the event will be available through some form of pay-per-view.
Buakaw, at 41 years old, brings a wealth of experience to the ring, having earned acclaim as one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters in the world.