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Manny Pacquiao's return from retirement is officially in the works for June.
'PacMan' has been out of the ring since a short-notice clash with Yordenis Ugas in August 2021. While the legend was initially slated to face Errol Spence Jr., 'The Truth' was forced out due to injury. As a result, the Cuban stepped up on short notice.
However, it would've been hard to tell. While Pacquiao had some early success, he wound up gassing out down the stretch. Meanwhile, Ugas picked up the pressure in the later rounds, ultimately picking up the win by unanimous decision.
Following the defeat, the former champion decided to retire. However, his retirement announcement also coincided with his announcement to run for president of the Philippines. At the time, many felt that if his presidential run went poorly, Pacquiao could return.
That has proved to be the case. Manny Pacquiao wound up losing in a landslide in the general election and has continued to tease that he will end his retirement. Pacquiao even faced DK Yoo in an exhibition last December.
The bout seemed to be just the first of his comeback run. ESPN Ringside was the first to report that Pacquiao is officially ending his retirement and is eyeing a fight with Conor Benn. The bout is being eyed for June in Abu Dhabi.
See the news below:
Manny Pacquiao's manager discusses his return
In an interview with ESPN, Manny Pacquiao's manager, Sean Gibbons, discussed his return.
For those that were paying attention, 'PacMan' coming out of retirement wasn't a shock. He'd already previously hung up the gloves after his trilogy fight with Timothy Bradley but wound up coming out of retirement a year later.
However, what is shocking is the legend's comeback opponent. 'The Destroyer' is viewed as one of the hardest hitters in the sport and was recently part of a lengthy doping scandal. Benn tested positive for Clomifene but was cleared by the WBC late last month.
In an interview with ESPN, Sean Gibbons discussed why Manny Pacquiao was fighting Conor Benn. The manager stated that it didn't really matter, saying:
"Manny Pacquiao, this is what he's been doing his whole life, boxing, and he feels like he has a lot left to to give in boxing. He wants to fight; doesn't matter if it's Conor Benn or it's Kell Brook. Manny is a fighter, and it's what he wants to do: fight."
See his comments below:
