Manny Pacquiao says exhibition match purely for ‘charity’
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and South Korean YouTuber DK Yoo during a press conference. –MARK GIONGCO
MANILA, Philippines—Manny Pacquiao’s first exhibition fight is not just for show.
The Filipino boxing legend said part of his proceeds in his match against South Korean YouTuber and martial artist DK Yoo will be used to provide shelter for the poor and homeless families as part of his Pacman Village projects.
“This exhibition fight is a charity event,” Pacquiao said in Filipino on Wednesday in a press conference at Shangri-La Fort in Taguig. “This is to help those who are in need, for us to be able to build homes for our fellow Filipinos who have none.”
“It’s always been my dream to help others. That’s really my advocacy, to be able to give houses to our fellow Filipinos.”
As for Yoo, majority of his proceeds will go to relief efforts in Ukraine.
Pacquiao hasn’t stepped inside the ring since August 2021 when he suffered a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Yordenis Ugas.
The thought of coming back in particular, however, doesn’t excite him.
“I’m excited but not because I’m coming back inside the ring. What I’m excited about is the number of people and families I’m going to help because of this fight.”
Pacquiao, 43, and Yoo figure in a six-round exhibition fight on December 11 in Seoul, South Korea.
The bout is a special boxing match with no weight limit and will only have two-minute rounds.
