Is Manny Pacquiao retired? Former boxing champion steps back into ring for 2022 exhibition fight

Daniel Yanofsky

Is Manny Pacquiao retired? Former boxing champion steps back into ring for 2022 exhibition fight image

Manny Pacquiao may have ended his professional career, but that hasn’t stopped one of the most legendary figures in boxing from re-entering the ring every now and then.

The only eight-division champion in boxing history, Pacquiao retired in 2021 following a loss against Yordenis Ugas. He is set to return to the ring on December 10, competing in an exhibition bout against DK Yoo. The fight will be inside the Korea International Exhibition Center in Goyang, South Korea.

Per Pacquiao, the fight will be for charity. 

“This exhibition fight is a charity event,” Pacquiao said at a press conference, via Inquirer. “This is to help those who are in need, for us to be able to build homes for our fellow Filipinos who have none. It’s always been my dream to help others. That’s really my advocacy, to be able to give houses to our fellow Filipinos.”

MORE: All you need to know about Manny Pacquiao vs. DK Yoo

The 43-year-old is following in the footsteps of boxing greats like Floyd Mayweather and Ricky Hatton, who are returning to action for great causes, a big payday, and fun. 

Why did Manny Pacquiao retire? 

Pacquiao made his pro debut in 1995 at the age of 16. The Senator of the Philippines from 2016-2022, Pacquiao has beaten the likes of Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, and Timothy Bradley. 

He was on a three-fight win streak before he was supposed to face Errol Spence Jr. in 2021. An eye injury forced Spence out of the bout, and Pacquiao fought Yordenis Ugas for the WBA (Super) welterweight title in August 2021. Ugas beat Pacquiao via unanimous decision, and Pacquiao retired shortly after. 

“This is the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but I’m at peace with it. Chase your dreams, work hard, and watch what happens. Good bye boxing.”

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In a release, Pacquiao discussed his intentions to run for President of the Philippines. Pacquiao has been in the political ring in the Philippines for over a decade. First, as a house representative before he became a Senator. Pacquiao would lose in the presidential election to Bongbong Marcos. 

This will be the first exhibition bout for Pacquiao since 2002, when he beat Jesus Salud via points in Hawaii. 

When is Manny Pacquiao vs. DK Yoo?

  • Date: Saturday, December 10 | December 11 in U.K. and Australia
  • Start time: 10 p.m. ET | 3 a.m. GMT | 2 p.m. AEDT
  • Main event: 12:30 a.m. ET | 5:30 a.m. GMT | 4:30 p.m. AEDT

Manny Pacquiao vs DK Yoo takes place on December 10. The fight card should begin around 10 p.m. ET | 3 a.m. GMT | 2 p.m. AEDT. The main event should begin around 12:30 a.m. ET | 5:30 a.m. GMT | 4:30 p.m. AEDT, depending on how long the undercard fights last. 

How to watch Manny Pacquiao vs. DK Yoo

Country Date Channel + Live Stream (main card)
United States Sun. Nov 13 FITE.tv, PPV.com
Canada Sun. Nov 13 FITE.tv
United Kingdom Sun. Nov 13 FITE.tv
Australia Mon. Nov 14 FITE.tv, Kayo

Fans can watch Manny Pacquiao vs. DK Yoo on FITE.tv and PPV.com. in Australia, the fight will be available via Kayo. 

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Manny Pacquiao vs. DK Yoo PPV price: How much does the event cost?

Fans can watch Manny Pacquiao vs. DK Yoo by paying $29.99. 

Manny Pacquiao vs. DK Yoo fight card 

  • Manny Pacquiao vs. DK Yoo
  • Ranelo Quizo vs. Jonghun Shin 
  • Jose Luis Castillo vs. Minhuk Ju 
  • Nico Hernandez vs. Jae Young Kim 
  • Marcus Davidson vs. Min Wook Kim 
  • Maurice Lee vs. Shin Yong Kim 

Daniel Yanofsky