The living legend can still dish out the pain.
It appears increasingly likely that Manny Pacquiao will once again step into the ring under the bright lights of prizefighting—but only for the right fight and with the right terms.
MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons made that much clear in Radyo5’s Power & Play sports show on Saturday.
“There’s been a lot of inquiries throughout the Middle East. [In] Japan, he’s got something coming up, [as well as in] Indonesia,” Gibbons told host Noli Eala, who asked about Pacquiao's fighting future. “At the moment, he's doing what he’s always done, playing basketball, staying in shape. And I believe he’s looking for something.”
At 44, the Pacman has accomplished everything in boxing. But, apparently, the former senator is not yet ready to totally turn his back on prizefighting.
“He still feels he has a lot left to give to the sport, so he’s retired at the moment. But if the right opportunity comes up, I think you’ll see him back in the ring,” Gibbons added. “It would be great ‘cause I’ve got so many people, especially throughout the Middle East, who’d love the chance for Manny to come there.”
However, it would take the right deal to get Pacquiao back into action.
“Hopefully, we could send out some feelers, talk to people over there, draw up some potential matches, and if they like it, Manny will be back and if he doesn’t, we never know.”
One thing Gibbons seems sure about, though, is a return to the ring for Pacquiao.
“He’s definitely gonna continue fighting, whether it’s an exhibition like he did in Korea [or an] exhibition in Japan,” Gibbons reiterated. “I think it’s probable that something could happen. It’s very probable because every day there’s talk about different stuff. People inquire, they talk about Manny fighting Ryan Garcia [or whoever]. Manny’s ready. Somebody comes with the right package, Manny is ready to beat someone up.”
The Pacman is waiting, and all comers can get some if they can offer the right terms.