Manny Pacquiao is poised for an extraordinary comeback to the ring at 45, taking on the challenge from 27-year-old former European champion Conor Benn.
Speculation about Pacquiao’s return has been circulating for some time, with the boxer hinting last year at a potential rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2024. Although that fight did not come to fruition, Pacquiao’s interest in facing notable opponents has been a subject of continuous discussion. It now seems that Pacquiao has secured a significant matchup.
As Mike Coppinger of ESPN reported, Manny Pacquiao, now 45, is in advanced discussions for a welterweight fight against Conor Benn.
Pacquiao’s last professional fight occurred on August 21, 2021, just before he turned 43, following a two-year hiatus from the sport. In this comeback fight, he faced a defeat against Yordenis Ugas, resulting in the loss of his WBA title.
Conor Benn, much younger at 27, held the WBA European welterweight title from 2018 until 2022 when a suspension led to his removal. Since his suspension was lifted, Benn has returned to the ring with victories over Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson in September 2023 and February 2024, respectively, showcasing his readiness to take on the legendary Pacquiao.