
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 20: Manny Pacquiao attends a post-fight news conference after defeating Keith Thurman in a WBA welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 20, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao won the fight by split decision. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 20: Manny Pacquiao attends a post-fight news conference after defeating Keith Thurman in a WBA welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 20, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao won the fight by split decision. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
Manny Pacquiao loves spending time with his close-knit family. Despite all the worldwide fame and fortunes that surround him, the former 8-divison world champion remains a quintessential family man. Pacquiao celebrated the new year with his wife, Jinkee, and kids. He shared some of the pictures through his Instagram account today.
But, it seems, there was a surprise in store for the ‘PacMan’ and scores of fans. One of the respondents who wished him back turned out to be none other than Telli Swift, wife of former Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Some of the followers might know that the star wife was born Shuntel Swift in Zambales, a province in the Philippines. A reality movie star and a successful model, she reportedly grew up in Japan before moving to California. Manny Pacquiao retired from professional boxing in 2021. However, following his great rival Floyd Mayweather Jr.‘s lead, he decided to embark on a new exhibition fight career. Incidentally, talks have emerged that a rematch between the retired boxers could be on the cards.
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New Year Wishes and a Surprise Response
Wishing everyone, Manny Pacquiao wrote, “Happy New Year! Wishing everyone peace, love, and joy in the New Year.” Capturing the love within the family, the carousel post featured heartwarming pictures of him with Jinkee and four of their children. Scrolling down the few initial replies would take one to Telli Swift’s message, “Happiest new year to your family!”
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As it appeared from the comments, since his eldest son, Emmanuel Jr. (Jimuel), wasn’t visible, many of those who responded asked for him.
Pacquiao fought an exhibition bout back in 2002. But post-retirement, his first fight under the category took place in Seoul, Korea, last year, against martial artist DK Yoo. Now he will be going against Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek. It will reportedly take place on April 20 at Bangkok’s Impact Arena. Dubbed ‘The Match of Legends,’ it will be a six-round bout with each round lasting three minutes. However, instead of the standard 1-minute break, there will be a 2-minute break in between the rounds.
It seems WBC will hand over a special belt, ‘Legends Championship’, to the winner, who will also take home around $289,000, or 10 million baht.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. II
While attending an event in Tokyo, it appears that Manny Pacquiao has given hints of a rematch, in exhibition format, with Floyd Mayweather Jr. The two last fought an epic in 2015, aptly called ‘Fight of the Century.’ The match turned out to be the highest grosser in terms of PPV sales in boxing history. Ever since, rumors of a rematch between the two have turned up once in a while.
Damn Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are fighting again in 2024? 🤯 let’s goo!!! #floydmayweather #mannypacquiao pic.twitter.com/ZoytwAAJy9
— Derrick Whitney (@DerrickWhitney) December 31, 2023
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Not much detail is available, though, besides what the ‘PacMan’ said. However, it remains to be seen whether the fans would still be enthused by a second edition, given how the first one reportedly turned out to be, despite all the hype.
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What’s your take? Given what he has accomplished in boxing, do you think Manny Pacquiao should stay retired and enjoy his life? Please share your views with us in the comments below.
Watch this story: 5 Eye-Opening Facts About Manny Pacquiao
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