'Goodbye boxing, welcome chess'
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 01 Oct 2021
MANILA, Philippines---After hanging his gloves last Wednesday, Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao takes on an online chess board: a 10-year-old app version of chess king Magnus Carlsen on October 1, 2021.
“It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over,” the 42-year-old boxing champion in eight divisions said in a video message posted on his Facebook page.
“I never thought that this day would come,” he added. “Goodbye, boxing.”
The 12-time boxing world champ will make a rare appearance to compete in the Magnus Carlsen Celebrity Charity Challenge.
Pacquiao is one of the latest and biggest names in line to take on the World Chess Champion’s younger self.
The match will be available in real time:
https://championschesstour.com and https://www.twitch.tv/allplaychess.
The unique spectacle will be showcased during the Finals event of the $1.6 million Meltwater Champions Chess Tour, the most prestigious event in the online chess calendar including Carlsen and Filipino-American genius Wesley So.
Pacquiao, a Senator here in the Philippines and a chess enthusiast, will be aiming to land the knockout blows in a blitz, 2-minute limit, play-to-finish format.
But so far, no celebrity taking the challenge has beaten Carlsen, the highest-rated chess player in history, on his Play Magnus app. The longest anyone has survived is 49 moves.
Pacquiao who is hoping to raise awareness for the “Stop Asian Hate” campaign. He will receive $5,000 to donate to his chosen charity just for taking part. If he wins the challenge by lasting the longest, or win, he will get an extra $50,000.
Carlsen said: “I can’t wait to see how the legendary Manny Pacquiao does against a 10-year-old me on the Play Magnus app. I wasn’t World Champion back then, but I was already playing decently so it’s going to be hard!”
“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.
Pacquiao will be raising funds for the Manny Pacquiao Foundation, the charity built on the Senator’s commitment to giving back and fighting for those less fortunate. The foundation uses the hashtags #pacquiaofoundation #pacquiao #jointhefight #bethechange and #teampacquiao on social media.
Pacquiao started his professional boxing career when he was 16 years old.-Marlon Bernardino-
Photo shows Senator Koko Pimentel (right) ponder his next moves against Senator Manny Pacquiao
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Verano to face Thai in Clash of Nations on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Masangkay to fight Ocampo in JAS on April 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Denver Holds Off LA Clippers in OT, 112-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Arca clinches 3rd and final IM norm; Guns for GM norm in last round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025IN HER GOLDEN GIRL ERA: GABRIELA “SWEET POISON” FUNDORA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS UNDISPUTED TITLE AGAINST MARILYN BADILLO
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Fundora Retains Undisputed Flyweight Titles; Perez Shocks Conwell in Oceanside
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Dalton Smith Drops Mathieu German Three Times, Retains WBC Silver Title
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Filipino GM Antonio beats Serbia's IM for share of lead in Caberra Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Semifinals Conclude at 2025 USA Boxing International Open
Sun, 20 Apr 2025FM Arca is inching closer to his 3rd and final IM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Weigh-In Results: Fundora and Conwell Ready for Golden Boy Fight Night in Oceanside
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Undefeated, rising Canadian prospect Eric Basran wins in Opening round to advance to quarterfinals of inaugural Riyadh Season/WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia
Sat, 19 Apr 2025WEIGHTS FROM LONG BEACH
Sat, 19 Apr 2025