Manny Pacquiao’s next fight has been announced, and the iconic boxer is set to compete in a special exhibition bout in Thailand against a legendary Muay Thai fighter.
Who could Manny Pacquiao’s next fight be against?
Pacquiao has not fought since an exhibition clash with South Korean martial arts great DK Yoo in December 2022. However, the weight for his legion of fans has ended, and “Pacman” will return to the boxing ring for a special exhibition bout in Muang Thong Thani, Thailand against Muay Thai great Buakaw Banchamek.
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How to watch Pacquiao vs Buakaw in April
- Pacquiao vs. Buakaw will headline a pay-per-view card on April 9
- The fight will take place inside the Impact Arena Convention Center in Thailand
- The broadcast home for the “Match of Legends” has not yet been announced
Manny Pacquiao vs Buakaw Banchamek preview
While the matchup will be fought under boxing rules, Banchamek is still a fighter who deserves respect and will offer Pacquiao some real dangers despite not being able to use his dangerous kicks on fight night.
Who is Buakaw Banchamek?: During a legendary 280-fight career, Banchamek has earned 241 wins — 73 by knockout. He has won multiple world titles and has two K-1 World MAX Tournament and Omnoi Stadium championships, as well as a Lumpinee Stadium Toyota Marathon title.
Pure Spectacle: This matchup is all about putting on a show with two of Asia’s greatest combat athletes of all time. With both men now in their 40s and past their athletic primes, this is likely one of the last few times for their long-time supporters to see them compete.
Following Mayweather: This will be Pacquiao’s second straight exhibition bout. Despite rumors he would return for a bout that counts in 2024, the Filipino continues to follow in the footsteps of Floyd Mayweather by competing in exhibition bouts.
The Bottom Line: This is a booking to get two combat legends of this century in a ring together to see what happens. While Pacquiao will likely win, there are still some solid threats for him that should make fight night interesting.
What makes Manny Pacquiao so popular?
Pacquiao has become a sports icon because of his rags-to-riches story of rising up from a life of poverty to becoming one of the most famous athletes on the planet. His blinding hand speed, uncanny power, and unorthodox footwork made him a perennial pound-for-pound star for many years. He has also transitioned into being a major political figure in his homeland. First by serving in the Filipino house of representatives and then by being elected to the Senate in 2016.
- Manny Pacquiao record: 62-8-2 (39 knockouts)
- Manny Pacquiao age: 45 years old
- Manny Pacquiao height: 5-foot-5
The pugilistic ‘Pacman’
- Pacquiao is the only eight-division world champion in boxing history. Starting his career competing at 108 pounds (light-flyweight), and fighting as high as 147 pounds (welterweight)
- During his career, he defeated legendary boxers in Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Erik Morales, and Marco Antonio Barrera
- Pacquiao’s 2015 bout against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was the highest-grossing fight of all time. Scoring 4.6 million PPV buys and grossing over $410 million.
Manny the politician
- In 2013, Pacquiao was elected to the House of Representatives as a congressman in his home province of Sarangani
- During that time, he donated a great deal of his own money to help uplift the province. Which is one of the poorest in the country and has a poverty rate of 45%
- In 2016, he earned over 16 million votes and was elected to one of the government’s 12 senate seats
- In 2021 he announced plans to attempt to become the next president of the Philippines. However, the sports icon never came close to landing the country’s top political job
- In September 2022, Pacquiao made his first foray into the growing space of legendary fighters in exhibition bouts. Competing against multi-discipline martial artist DK Yoo
Manny Pacquiao’s net worth
Money is often one of the greatest measuring sticks for a fighter’s success. As of 2023, Pacquiao’s net worth is estimated to be as much as $220 million.