Pacquiao’s earnings in exhibition bout to go to homeless Filipinos

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Boxing’s only eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao silenced critics that his upcoming exhibition match against South Korean YouTube star DK Yoo will be used as a stepping stone for his professional return.

Instead, the boxing legend announced that his earnings in the fight will go directly to his Pacman Villages project to help more homeless Filipinos and his other charities.

“I took this exhibition to help out more in need, so we can continue giving out homes to our countrymen who don’t have one. I already have a lot of Pacman Villages started, but not yet finished. The income from this fight will be used for more homes,” said Pacquiao.

Pacquiao stunned the whole boxing community after agreeing to an exhibition match with Yoo scheduled this December after officially retiring from the sport last year.

The Filipino boxing icon last saw action inside the ring on August 21, 2021 against Yordenis Ugas and suffered a shocking unanimous decision loss for welterweight supremacy.

Months after his loss, Pacquiao posted an emotional video as his official way of retiring, thanking all of his fans, his partners, coaches, and opponents while bidding goodbye.

The upcoming exhibition bout against the South Korean, however, will cater to new rules as the match will only have six two-minute rounds.

Also, both Pacquiao and Yoo agreed to fight under an open weight limit. Pacquiao last weighed 150-155 pounds while Yoo hit the 175-180 mark.

“I just want to work hard and make sure my condition is 100% so I can still show off my skills in the ring. Although this is just a charity event to help people out, we will still prepare like it’s a championship fight,” added Pacquiao.