HOURS before ringing in 2024, eight-division boxing world champ Manny Pacquiao dropped a bombshell announcement in a surprise visit to the Rizin.45 mixed martial arts event in Saitama, Japan.
WATCH:
The big news? An imminent exhibition match with his unscathed tormentor Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
READ: Pacquiao wants shot at Olympic medal in Paris Games
Pacquiao’s in-ring guest appearance on New Year’s Eve was topped by what seemed to be the revelation of a sought-after grudge match after nine years.
"I hope to see you here in Japan again with a big fight,” said Pacquiao.
Midway through his declaration, Rizin Promotions chief Nobuyuki Sakakibara intervened and dropped the name of Pacquiao’s supposed next foe.
"Floyd Mayweather,” Sakakibara bared.
Nearly a decade since Pacquiao’s unanimous decision loss to Mayweather, the “People’s Champ” has long teased plans for a second chapter.
And after months — and even years — of speculation, the high-profile grudge match might just happen very soon.
"I thought you didn't want me to say that but I'm excited about that [rematch against Mayweather Jr.],” Pacquiao said in response.
Apart from hinting at the fight being held in Japan, details on a target date and whether Mayweather Jr.'s camp has agreed to the said rematch have yet to be confirmed as of posting.
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