Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao a short time ago was inducted into the 2025 class Boxing Hall of Fame.
He is a busy man at the moment and is currently travelling in Dubai, saying on Instagram a short time ago he expects to announce big news with the IABA (the organization who run amateur boxing):
Speaking to Boxing Social ‘PacMan’ said:
“We are here in Dubai, in association with Manny Pacquiao. Manny, it’s great to see you here. How are you feeling?
Manny: I’m good. I’m happy to be here in Dubai. The weather is nice, the people are so friendly, and the place is beautiful.
There are 17 different nationalities represented at the event today. How important is the growth of boxing here in Dubai, and how do you see the International Boxing Association (IBA) contributing to the sport?
Manny: The IBA is doing a great job helping the boxing industry grow. It’s a big help for us as fighters and for the people of Dubai. It’s good to see boxing expanding here.
We’ve been hearing rumors about your comeback. But before we get into that, I’d like to hear your thoughts on Mike Tyson’s return to the ring a while back. At his age, what did you think of his performance?
Manny: For his age, Mike Tyson did great. He went eight rounds, which is impressive. At 58 years old, he still showed his strength. Whether he should continue or not is up to him—it depends on how he feels physically.
What about you? Is there any chance of a comeback? There were rumors of a fight with Conor Benn a few months ago. What’s the latest on that?
Manny: We’re working on it. We’re trying to finalize a fight here in Dubai for next year. Hopefully, we’ll have everything confirmed early next year.
Would this be a professional fight? There were talks about a potential fight with Mario Barrios through the WBC. Is that still on the table?
Manny: Yes, we’re looking at different opponents. There are plenty of options, and it depends on the negotiations.
Floyd Mayweather has been doing exhibition matches. Would you be open to a rematch with him in an exhibition format?
Manny: Why not? If he’s willing to do a rematch, I’m okay with that. But I’d prefer a real fight with a decision, not just an exhibition.
How long do you plan to keep boxing? Do you see yourself continuing until you’re 50?
Manny: I don’t know. It depends on God’s will, my strength, and my health. Only God knows the future.
There’s a big fight coming up in the heavyweight division—Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk. What’s your prediction?
Manny: It’s a good, evenly matched fight. Whoever puts in the extra effort in training will win.
Would you be open to fighting in Africa? If so, which country would you prefer?
Manny: Of course, why not? I’d fight in any country if there’s a promoter interested.
The lightweight and super lightweight divisions in the US are heating up, with potential fights like Gervonta Davis vs. Shakur Stevenson. What do you think about that matchup?
Manny: That would be a great fight. Both are talented fighters.
Have you ever met Donald Trump? He’s been involved in boxing, promoting Mike Tyson’s fights in the past.
Manny: Yes, I met him in 2015 when he invited me to be a judge for the Miss Universe pageant.
What would you say to him now that he might become the 47th president?
Manny: I’d support him and his administration. He has good plans for America.
Speaking of controversies, what are your thoughts on Devin Haney suing Ryan Garcia for battery after their fight?
Manny: I don’t know much about that, but maybe it’s something they can resolve outside of court.
Ryan Garcia is fighting the same opponent you faced in Japan on December 30th. He said he wants to knock him out for you. How do you feel about that?
Manny: That’s good. They cheated me in that fight, so I’d like to see him win decisively.
Lastly, there’s a big card coming up in Riyadh on February 22nd, featuring the rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Have you had a chance to look at it?
Manny: It’s an excellent card with great matchups. I’m looking forward to all the fights.
And what about a potential fight between you and Conor McGregor? How big of an event would that be?
Manny: It would be a big fight, but it’s up to the promoters to make it happen.”
That’s a lot of great insight from Pacquiao and new news from him on his boxing career.
He appears to not want to hang up the gloves yet and feels he had a bad unfair set up with the whole thing that happened in his exhibition in Japan.
It would appear big news on the boxing front is on the horizon still for Pacquiao, now a Hall of Famer in the sport after today.
