Manny Pacquiao Could Make Comeback As Former Sparring Partner Issues Challenge to 'Pacman'

Manny Pacquiao Could Make Comeback As Former Sparring Partner Issues Challenge to 'Pacman'

Byron Pillay
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
  • Manny Pacquiao last fought in 2021 but could make a comeback to in-ring action soon
  • Amir Khan and 'Pacman' were sparring partners, but never fought against each other
  • Khan was banned for two years after he failed a drug test after his last fight in 2022

Could Manny Pacquiao be returning to in-ring action?

The legendary Filipino boxer has been challenged to a fight by one of his former sparring partners.

Manny Pacquiao in action.
Manny Pacquiao could make a return to action against Amir Khan. Image: Christian Petersen.
Source: Getty Images

As noted by DAZN, British boxer, Amir Khan is keen for a fight with Pacman, someone with whom he sparred before.

The duo were both part of Freddie Roach’s Wildcard gym but never fought each other despite being a part of the Welterweight division.

Speaking about a potential bout, Khan admitted that there was interest from both parties.

"There is interest, Manny’s team want it; the Saudis want to fight in Abu Dhabi. It would be massive. A fight with Manny would definitely motivate me," he said.

Pacquiao’s last fight

While Pacman boasts a record of 63 wins and only eight losses, he has not fought professionally since August 2021 when he lost to Cuban-American, Yordenis Ugas.

The boxing great was 44 at the time and lost the fight via unanimous decision. While he has not fought since then, Pacquiao continues to be linked with major fights.

Khan’s chances of fighting Pacquiao

Khan’s last fight came in 2022 when Kell Brook defeated him and he has since retired from the sport. Despite this, he is keen to return for a fight with the Filipino great.

There is one obstacle that could prevent such a comeback: Khan’s recent ban. As noted by The Mirror, the former world champion was banned from boxing for two years after failing a drug test after his last bout.

Pacquiao eyes return at Olympic Games

Two years after retiring from professional boxing, Manny Pacquiao is planning a spectacular comeback to the ring.

The Filipino icon is looking to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, as Sports Brief previously reported.

The 44-year-old walked away from the sport in September 2021 after losing to Cuba's Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas.

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Byron Pillay
Byron Pillay is a sports writer and Head of the Department at Sports Brief (joined in 2022) with over 10 years of experience in community journalism and a degree in journalism from Caxton's Cadet School.
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