Manny Pacquiao may be two years removed from his last title fight, but he’s not entirely ready to hang up his gloves for good. During RIZIN 45 in Saitama, Japan, Pacquiao told fans that he intends to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. later this year.
“I hope to see you in Japan in a big fight against…Floyd Mayweather,” Pacquiao told the crowd at Saitama Super Arena on New Year’s Eve.
“I thought you wouldn’t want me to say that. I am excited. Thank you for always supporting RIZIN promotions.”
He did not clarify exactly when and where he intends to fight Mayweather Jr., but he has provided more details regarding an exhibition involving Thai kickboxer Buakaw Banchamek. The former world champion will share the ring with Banchamek for a six-round super welterweight exhibition in Japan on April 20, 2024. The victor will reportedly walk away with $289,000 and the WBC Legend Belt.
Pacquiao last entered the ring for an exhibition on December 11, 2022 in South Korea. The former world champion earned a unanimous decision victory against martial artist DK Yoo.
