Manny Pacquiao’s retirement from boxing did not last long. In the buildup to the presidential election last year the 44 year old announced that his fighting days were over.
But he returned to the ring for an exhibition match with DK Yoo last December. Now it seems that Pacquiao is mounting a proper comeback and will be participating in professional bouts again.
Heh as been linked with a fight with Conor Benn. But even if a bout with the Englishman, who is facing a potential drugs ban, doesn’t materialize Pacquiao seems determined to fight again.
Nine News in Australia report that Pacquiao told reporters this week,
“I missed boxing. I’m okay with exhibitions. But for me, as a boxer, you want to be a world champion again.”
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Intense negotiations
Pacquiao admitted that he dreamed of making a comeback and was already in training,
“There is still that dream to return to boxing. Right now, I’m focused on training and conditioning so I will not lose my speed and power.”
He also acknowledged that negotiations with Benn’s camp were ongoing,
“We’re still negotiating right now so I do not want to pre-empt it.”
Pacquiao believes that he still moves the same way he did several decades ago,
“For someone my age, I’m still moving like 30 years old, 20 years old. This is a grace from God, amazing grace.”
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Easy win
He cruised through the exhibition bout with DK Yoo claiming a clear cut decision win over an opponent was was effectively a novice. That fight didn’t appear to generate much interest but it has clearly reignited Pacquiao’s passion for boxing.
He announced his retirement while campaigning to become president of the Philippines. Pacquiao finished a distant third but he is still a senator and remains very active in politics.
In the past he has been able to combine training for world title fights with his political commitments and Pacquiao clearly believes that will continue to be the case. He has been one of the best boxers of the century and, by the sounds of it, he is back!
