Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao (L) and Thai Muay Thai fighter Buakaw Banchamek (R) pose for photographs during a press conference in Bangkok on July 21, 2023, to promote their 2024 fight. (Photo by Jack TAYLOR / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines—A true performer that he is, Manny Pacquiao vowed to put on a show when he figures in an exhibition boxing match against Muay Thai icon Buakaw Banchamek set for early next year.
Pacquiao last appeared in the ring when he fought South Korean YouTube martial artist DK Yoo last December in an exhibition.
“I will do my best and give good action for fans to make them happy and enjoy the show,” Pacquiao said in a press conference in Thailand on Friday.
“This is going to be an amazing fight,” the eight-division champion posted on Instagram.
Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao (L) and Thai Muay Thai fighter Buakaw Banchamek (R) pose for photographs during a press conference in Bangkok on July 21, 2023, to promote their 2024 fight. (Photo by Jack TAYLOR / AFP)
The fight billed as “The Match of Legends” will feature six three-minute rounds with a two-minute interval after every round.
Organizers have yet to announce the venue.
Buakaw, who holds a kickboxing and Muay Thai record of 240 wins, 24 losses and 14 draws, doesn’t see his fight against Pacquiao going the full distance.
According to a story on The Nation Thailand, the 41-year-old Buakaw expects a knockout to happen as early as the first round.
Pacquiao, who turns 45 in December, has stayed retired since his last official bout in August 2021 when he was upset by Cuban Yordenis Ugas.