Manny hints of return  

MANILA, Philippines — Retired eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao fueled speculation that he may make a serious ring comeback during a recent press conference in Seoul to promote his six-round exhibition with martial arts guru DK Yoo at the Korea International Exhibition Center in Goyang on Dec. 10. Pacquiao arrived with wife Jinkee in the Korean capital last Monday and they’re expected back in Manila today.

“My style, my stamina and my body – if I can continue my boxing career but I’m still OK,” said Pacquiao. “Right now, I feel good. I’m excited to work hard, go back to basics where we started, sparring with caliber boxers, training hard. I’m happy for this opportunity and thankful to have the chance to be in Seoul.”

Pacquiao, 43, has started training in General Santos City for the bout which will feature two-minute rounds and 10-ounce gloves. In pro boxing, fighters wear 10-ounce gloves starting the superwelterweight or 154-pound division and eight-ounce gloves from welterweight down. The heavier gloves cushion the impact of hard punches. Yoo, 42, has never fought as a pro although last year, he figured in a six-round exhibition with former UFC battler Bradley Scott. Yoo is known as the founder of Wartime Combat System and a master of 15 fighting disciplines. The exhibition is billed as The Champ against The Master.

Both Pacquiao and Yoo are southpaws. The Korean has a distinct advantage in height, standing 5-10 to Pacquiao’s 5-5 1/2. Pacquiao hasn’t seen action since losing the super WBA welterweight title to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas in August 2021. “It’s a big deal,” said MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons who flew from Los Angeles to Seoul to join Pacquiao in the promotional tour. “There were at least 50 TV cameras in the press conference. Manny’s a big deal anywhere in the world, particularly in Asia. He’s excited to be back in the gym. This is no joke. They’re coming to fight. To be honest, I think once Manny lands a big punch, Yoo’s going down. I don’t know what Manny’s future plans are. Where he goes will depend on how he does in the exhibition.”