Filipino boxing hero Pacquiao to return to boxing

Filipino boxing hero Pacquiao to return to boxing. July. 14, 2016 07:22. by 유재영기자 elegant@donga.com.

Manny Pacquiao, the Philippines' boxing hero who retired after a “Fight of the Century” against Floyd Mayweather, is expected to return to boxing. ESPN and other foreign media reported Wednesday that the former multiple world champion will have a return fight on October 29 or November 5.

ESPN quoted Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, as saying, “Manny wants to come back. The problem is he can only come back if it doesn't interfere with his senate duties.” Arum also said he is working on a plan to hold Pacquiao’s return fight at MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. The former champ sent a letter to the Philippine senate, vowing to fulfill his senatorial duties while preparing to return to boxing.

He made a professional debut in 1995 after doing street boxing while selling donuts as a boy. For 21 years, he has a career record of 66 fights and 58 wins (38 KOs) with six defeats and two tied matches to become the first and only eight-division world champion (six major divisions). He lost to Mayweather by a decision in May last year despite his shoulder injury.

Although his opponent has yet to be decided, Pacquiao’s side is citing WBC welterweight champion Danny Garcia and WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas as potential opponents. Although Pacquiao has retired, he remains the top ranker in the WBO welterweight.