The ‘PacMan’ turned 45 on December 17. However, he doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of stopping. He had finally pulled the plug on an outstanding professional career after losing the welterweight title to Yordenis Ugás two years ago. But his association with the sport continues. Like his rival Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao seems to have embarked on an exhibition career.

He fought and defeated South Korean martial artist DK Yoo in Seoul 12 months ago. Now, per the latest news, he might be entering the ring again in April for the next exhibition bout. Many fans and followers may not recognize Yoo. However, Pacquiao’s new opponent, Buakaw Banchamek, is a globally renowned figure. When it comes to Muay Thai, ‘The White Lotus’ remains one of the first names to crop up in the mind. They would be slugging it out under boxing rules. But the fight has been tweaked a bit given the Thai fighter’s relative inexperience in boxing.

The ‘PacMan’ returns

Alongside Saenchai, Buakaw Banchamek has reached the heights of Thai boxing. But he has also played a pivotal role in elevating it to global prominence. iFL TV shared the news yesterday. They said that Manny Pacquiao and Buakaw Banchamek will meet in Bangkok on April 20. Their bout will have six rounds of 3 minutes each. However, instead of the usual 1-minute break, both will get a break of 2 minutes in between each round to refresh. Additionally, the match will occur at 154 lbs.

The tweet read, “Manny Pacquiao will face Muay Thai and Kickboxing legend Buakaw Banchamek on Apr. 20 in Bangkok. The fight will consist of 6×3 minute rounds with a two-minute rest in between each round and will be fought at 154 lbs.“

Fresh Air Festival Co. Ltd., an event management company, and SF Corporation are reportedly conducting the event at a budget of 875 million baht (US$25 million). The latter happens to be the second-largest cinema chain operator in Thailand, according to ‘The Nation‘. However, precise details regarding the venue remain unavailable at the moment.

Manny Pacquiao and the Olympic dream

Exhibition boxing aside, Manny Pacquiao’s name gained prominence late. He has been trying to fill the most glaring gap in his otherwise celebrated career. Unlike many legends, such as Muhammad Ali, ‘Sugar Ray’ Leonard, and Floyd Mayweather Jr., the ‘PacMan’ has never won an Olympic medal. The next summer Olympics will happen in Paris from July 25 to August 11. Thus, not long ago, Pacquiao decided to launch a campaign so that he could be permitted to participate in the big event. Reportedly, the Philippine Olympic Committee had even sent a special request to the International Olympic Committee to consider his application under special circumstances.

Read More: “Imagine What Tank Would Do to Him”: After Generating $1.25 Billion in Revenue and Winning World Titles in 8 Divisions, Manny Pacquiao Being Compared to Naoya Inoue Receives Scathing Response from Fans

What’s your take? Do you think Manny Pacquiao will make it big in the exhibition circuit as Mayweather Jr. did? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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