MANILA, Philippines — What happens when Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao faces the 10-year-old computer version of reigning world chess champion Magnus Carlsen?
That’s to be seen as Pacquiao, a chess addict, clashes with the app version of the Norwegian champion in the Magnus Carlsen Celebrity Challenge on Oct. 1.
The 42-year-old boxer-turned politician will be the latest and greatest in a line of big names to take on Carlsen’s younger self in a unique format to be staged during the finals of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour.
“I am very much excited to play Magnus Carlsen, the world chess champion. This is something that doesn’t happen every day and I will be placed in a different arena this time around,” said Pacquiao.
“Are you ready to rumble? Boxing megastar Manny Pacquiao joins the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Finals to take on 10-year-old me on the Play Magnus app,” Carlsen said.
“Can the Pacman lay a glove on me? Or will he be out cold? Be sure to watch the broadcast on Oct. 1 to find out,” he added.
Pacquiao hopes to become the first non-chess celebrity to beat Carlsen’s younger version on the Play Magnus app.
The longest anyone has survived was 49 moves.
Pacquiao is using this event to raise awareness for the “Stop Asian Hate” campaign as he will get to donate $5,000 to his chosen charity for just taking part in the spectacle.
If he ends up winning, Pacquiao will get to contribute an extra $50,000 purse.
Pacquiao’s selected organization is the Manny Pacquiao Foundation, which is aimed at alleviating poverty in the Philippines.