Manny Pacquiao might end 2023 with a big bang.
Reports have it that the eight-division champion is looking at a ring return on New Year’s Eve in Tokyo.
But the likelihood is that his appearance will just be an exhibition and not a regular bout.
However, the name being floated as an opponent is no other than Floyd Mayweather, the trend-setter in doing lucrative exhibition matches.
Pacquiao’s imminent comeback could only justify why he’s been reporting for training the past few days in General Santos City.
In a series of photos posted on his social media account, Pacquiao, 44, was seen doing just about everything but spar.
Assisting him during the punch mitts is training assistant Jonathan Penalosa while also lending a hand to his other needs is Roger Fernandez, brother of Buboy, the long-time trainer and childhood pal of the boxing legend.
Last time Pacquiao was in action, he fought Korean YouTube sensation DK Yoo in Seoul almost a year ago.
But his last professional fight took place more than three years ago when he was upset by Cuban Yordenis Ugas in their world welterweight title match in Las Vegas.
Following the shocking defeat, Pacquiao announced his retirement.
In a Hall of Fame career, Pacquiao won world titles at flyweight, super-bantam, feather, super-feather, lightweight, super-lightweight, welter and super-welter.
His list of victims is littered with greats: Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Ricky Hatton, Oscar De la Hoya, Miguel Cotto and Shane Mosley.
Armed with a 62-8-2 win-loss-draw record with 39 knockouts, Pacquiao posted the majority of his biggest win in Las Vegas where he fought from 2001 until 2021.
When he was not displaying his talent in Sin City, Pacquiao brought his drawing power to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Memphis, San Antonio, Dallas, Macau and Australia.
