IT wasn’t a fight, it was an exhibition.
As one-sided as an electric chair with Filipino ring great Manny Pacquiao, just the same, obliged for the half-filled crowd at the Korea International Exhibition Center in Goyang to enjoy.
It was more of an Oscar night and it was not Cesar’s Palace. Pacquiao rendered to Korean martial arts ace DK Yoo what’s his—but didn’t used to be. A bloody mouth, lumps in the ribs caused by stinging body punches, ringing in the ears, which the latter used to pass out, not get them.
It was over in six rounds of a two-minute per round showdown with Pacuiao settling for an unanimous decision win.
And, most importantly, left the doors open to a return to regular fighting that marred his 27-year pro-career and gifted him no less than a dozen world titles in unprecedented eight divisions no other fighter has accomplished in the history of the sport of sweet science.
“It’s nice to be back in the ring for this charity exhibition match. I’m going to continue my training to get back in shape,” the former senator, who will turn 44 on Saturday, said on the top of the ring shortly after the bout he dominated.
The father of five with wife, former Sarangani Vice Governor Jinkee, announced his retirement Augiut last year after losing to Cuban substitute boxer Cuban Yordenis Ugas.
But following his defeat in the presidential elections, rumors immediately circulated of an impending comeback leading to this exhibition encounter with Yoo, which to many in the world boxing circle merely served as test whether he still has it to again bang heads and bodies against whoever.
Including against undefeated American tormentor Floyd Mayweather Jr. who beat him in a record-breaking showdown on May 2, 2015, in an attempt tom unify the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council, World Boxing Organization and The Ring welterweight titles held at the MGM Grand n Las Vegas, Nevada.
Inevitably a rematch with Mayweather, 45, who himself has boxed in five exhibition since retiring was brought up to Pacquiao.
The Filipinio icon though said: “I don’t know, I don’t have an idea because that guy always changes his decision.”
Before the Yoo exhibition, talks about more fights of that nature cropped up to be held in early 2023 plus a regular boxing match against upcoming Ryan Garcia.
“It was nice to be back in the ring especially with this exhibition fight,” said Pacquiao, betraying his reluctance to admit his intention to fight again that was interrupted by politics.
Especially after seeing the terrific response of the Korean fans, who, as reports had it, formed a seemingly endless line of autograph-seekers wanting to have their pictures taken with the future Filipino Hall of Famer.
“I will continue my training to get back in shape when I get back home,” said Pacquiao, who was scheduled to arrive home Monday to prepare for his 44th birthday bash in hometown General Santos City.