BOXING icon Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring in a six-round exhibition match against South Korean YouTube sensation DK Yoo on Saturday at the Korea International Exhibition Center in Ilsanseo-gu in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province in South Korea,
Pacquiao has retired in 2021 but declared he’s fighting again for charity—he’s building homes at the Pacman Village in General Santos City, a campaign promise he made when he ran for president last May.
The 43-year-old eight-division world champion said the exhibition bout would determine if he could make a comeback next year.
“We did a lot of training and I think this is a good stepping stone to my comeback in boxing,” said the former senator Pacquiao. “I thought it’s easy to retire, I didn’t realize that I’m getting back in the ring to keep fighting.”
He added: “I really missed boxing, I don’t get lazy in terms of workout to put me in good physical condition.”
Pacquiao’s lost his last pro fight against Cuban Yordenis Ugas on August 21, 2021, in Las Vegas. He announced his retirement on September 29 also last year to focus on his presidential bid.
“He’s one of the best boxers in the world so I’m very excited and I’m very happy,” said the South Korean martial artist DK Yoo, who fought former UFC fighter Bradley Scott in a boxing match in December last year.
Pacquiao retired with 62 wins highlighted by 39 knockouts with eight losses and two draws.
Image credits: Wendell Alinea