By CARLO ANOLIN
The showdown between Manny Pacquiao and DK Yoo will not only serve as an exhibition match for the fans but also as a charity event.
This was disclosed by no less than Pacquiao himself during the press conference Wednesday night, July 20, at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila in Taguig City.
The eight-division world boxing champion accepted the exhibition match, which will be held in Seoul, South Korea, because of Yoo’s proposal to make it as a fundraiser aside from being a treat for fight fans.
In a video clip shown during the press conference, funds will be raised for the war and conflict affected countries, especially Ukraine, to build and provide rehabilitation homes for the victims.
Pacquiao, for his part, wants to continue his own advocacy of giving homes to the poor through the “Pacman Village.”
“Para makatulong sa mga nangangailangan, magpatuloy ‘yong pagbigay natin ng mga sariling tahanan sa mga kababayan natin,” said the 43-year-old Pacquiao. “Actually, marami akong ‘Pacman Village’ na naumpisahan na pero ‘di pa natapos. Marami pang bakanteng lupa.”
Pacquiao and Yoo already met in June at the latter’s home in General Santos City to sign the contract for the exhibition match.
The Filipino boxing legend only knew little knowledge about Yoo, who is known for mastering 15 martial arts and creating the “Warfare Combat System,” but he vowed to pour the same amount of energy in training just like in his professional bouts.
Buboy Fernandez will serve as Pacquiao’s trainer for the exhibition match.
“100 percent na maayos na training para dito,” said Fernandez. “Kahit sabihin natin na charity ‘to, dapat nasa tamang kondisyon. Pinangarap ni Sen. Manny ‘to, na marami pang matulungang tao.”
Pacquiao stressed that he is not keen on returning to competitive boxing, at least for now.
“Wala naman,” answered Pacquiao shortly after being asked if he had plans to unretire.
“Sa ngayon ang alam ko nag-retire na ako… unless kung magbago isip ko, puso ko na gusto kong lumaban ulit. Pero ‘di pa ko nag-iisip ng ganon.”
“Ang akin lang ay kung paano ako kumita [through boxing] para makatulong sa mga kababayan natin,” added the former Senator.
Pacquiao formally hung up gloves after his defeat at the hands of Yordenis Ugas last August 2021.
He lost his super WBA welterweight title in the process and finished his career with 62 wins built on 39 knockouts, eight losses, and two draws.
