Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is gearing up for a comeback bout after a five-year hiatus, with the prospect of facing undefeated Conor Benn, who is 18 years his junior. During the weigh-in for the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou heavyweight showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) expressed his readiness for the ring, indicating May or June as potential fight months.
Benn (23-0, 14 KOs) eagerly engaged in a mock face-off with Pacquiao, affirming his willingness to take on any challenge. Pacquiao, last seen in a sanctioned match in August 2021, has been training for an exhibition bout against Muay Thai-kickboxing legend Buakaw Banchamek in April.
The Filipino icon, eyeing a match with Benn, acknowledged the youngster’s talent and popularity in Saudi Arabia and the U.K., expressing confidence in finalizing the deal for a fight in the Kingdom. Promoter Eddie Hearn is enthusiastic about the potential clash, highlighting the allure of witnessing “idols become rivals” in boxing’s magical moments.
Discussions between Hearn and Pacquiao’s advisor Sean Gibbons are underway, with hopes of staging the bout in Saudi Arabia or Wembley, England. Hearn sees Benn as the future of the welterweight division and anticipates an exhilarating showdown against the boxing legend.