A fight between Manny Pacquiao and Buakaw Banchamek has been the subject of speculation for several years. Both men are similar age, similar size and come from the same region.
The fact that Buakaw is a Muay Thai fighter and Pacquiao is a boxer always made the prospect of the two men ever facing off unlikely. But we are in the age of the crossover fight and it appears a ruleset has been found.
At a press conference in Bangkok yesterday it was announced that Buakaw and Pacquiao would meet in an exhibition boxing match in 2024. The fight will consist of six three minute rounds with a two minute break between rounds.
Pacquiao told fans that,
This is going to be an amazing fight.
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Career high
Any fans who are amazed it is actually happening might want to contain their excitement, at least for the time being. There is no date or venue confirmed for this fight, we are simply told it will take place in 2024.
A press release in Thai also stated that the winner would receive 10 million baht (approx $290,000 USD). While this would probably be a career high pay day for Buakaw it seems a little on the low side for Pacquiao, who famously earned $120mn USD for fighting Mayweather in 2015.
But Pacquiao, who would be virtually guaranteed to win, did take on Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in an exhibition boxing match last year. Only a handful of fans were in attendance for that fight so it is unlikely the event generated enough income for the senator to secure an eight figure pay day.
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Light work
Of course Pacquiao would have trained for months to fight Mayweather. World title fights in boxing always consist of 12 rounds with a one minute break between and it takes fighters a long time to prepare for these grueling contests.
A six round fight with two minute breaks between rounds would be easier than the average sparring session for Pacquiao, particularly when the opponent has no prior experience of boxing. So the 44 year old won’t have to work too hard to earn this money.
Buakaw recently shared a photo of himself wearing boxing boots for what might well be the first time. This will clearly be a huge fight for him and the Thai fans, assuming that it actually happens.
