Manny Pacquiao is bringing his act to Thailand early next year for another special exhibition but real fight with Thai kickboxing legend Buakaw Banchamek.
The exact date and venue have yet to be determined but the two are already looking forward to their showdown which, according to reports, has a massive budget of $25 million.
The two are fighting for six two-minute rounds and it would be the same as the last time Pacquiao climbed the ring in Seoul when he took on DK Yoo.
Pacquiao attended the press launch in the Thai capital alongside wife, Jinkee, and some members of his inner circle.
Just like in a traditional boxing presser, the two main fighters posed for pictures while holding their fists.
They also engaged in a stare down and they both looked evenly matched.
Pacquiao, who turns 45 in December, is older by three years and will be bringing in a wealth of experience.
Last time he fought professionally was in August 2021 in Las Vegas where he lost his World Boxing Association welterweight title to Cuban Yordenis Ugas on points.
Pacquiao retired several weeks after that but has actually hinted that he could come back for the right reason.
This exhibition trend is being popularized by Floyd Mayweather, who has been earning fat paychecks from taking part in them on a regular basis.
This clash with Buakaw is being eyed as something not to be missed given that two legends of their respective sports are participating.
Personally, I don’t think they would treat this match as a mere exhibition.
Pacquiao knows he will be up against a serious threat in Banchamek and if he doesn’t spend some time getting ready, he could end up absorbing another beating on Thai soil.
Remember that one of the darkest moments in Pacquiao’s career happened in Thailand.
In September 1999, Medgoen 3K Battery battered Pacquiao in three rounds to bag the World Boxing Council flyweight plum.
Pacquiao had been stripped of the title by the time he answered the bell after failing to make the 112-lb limit.
It doesn’t look as though Pacquiao will encounter problems making weight this time.
Organizers have pegged a limit of 154 lbs in this fight.
You see, Pacquiao walks around weighing 155-160 when not getting ready for a fight.
The thing is, Pacquiao just can’t show up on fight night and think Buakaw is going to pass out as soon as he takes off his robe.
Pacquiao’s in for a fight.
