Manny hints of return
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 14 Oct 2022
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. 11. 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.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR MEDINA VS. CURIEL IN MEXICO, PLUS MAIN EVENT QUOTES
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Rene Tellez Giron & Luis Torres Battle for Mexican Pride in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Gomera and Ding are set to clash for the WBC Asia 126 belt
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 05 Feb 2026“Thunderdome 53 is stacked and I cant wait to see these fights March 13 at Thunderdome 53 - Promoter Tony Tolj
Thu, 05 Feb 2026WORLD ELITE SUMO MAKES ITS PRUDENTIAL CENTER DEBUT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Sumalinog Brothers Score Wins in Bohol; Sign with Monty Flores (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 05 Feb 2026MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH TEAM BOXING LEAGUE
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Trifon Petrov unveils the signing of another USA Team member in Ariana Carrasco
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Jerome Gonzales off to a marvelous start in J&P 10 Ball Cup at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 05 Feb 2026DCL amateur MMA on Feb. 21 at Sta. Lucia Mall
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 05 Feb 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 FEBRUARY 2026: Shakur Schools Teofimo to Become 4-Division Champ; Zayas Unifies WBA/WBO Superwelter; Kelly Beats Murtazaliev
By Eric Armit, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Grand Week for Boxing in NY
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
Wed, 04 Feb 2026National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
Wed, 04 Feb 2026