By Tempo sports staff
The “itch” to box and the desire to help others in need have forced boxing icon Manny Pacquiao to make a sudden change of heart.
French superstar Jaber Zayani said he’s set to face the former senator in a non-sanctioned 8-round bout tentatively set mid-February next year at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Both fighters will be using the regular 8-ounce gloves in their exhibition match.
Zayani is no stranger to 43-year-old Pacquiao being the former sparring partner of the global icon.
Pacquiao trained with the 31-year-old Zayani for his 12-round world welterweight bout opposite Keith Thurman in July 2019.
The Frenchman said the contract was formally signed early last week at the former senator’s house in Makati City.
“I personally negotiated with the senator together with my team and after months of talks, we finally agreed to a face off next year. He already signed the contract so it is a go,” said Zayani who was accompanied by Filipino business manager Nico Rojas.
Pacquiao’s boxing return was made possible through the help of Luis “Chavit” Singson.
“Call it an exhibition or something but when the senator signed the deal, I told him to prepare well because I’m going to give him a real fight. He then told me, ‘you better be prepared’,” disclosed Zayani.
Zayani, who signed a five-year multi-million promotional deal with Saudi Prince Al-Walid Ben Talal, is an unbeaten lightweight contender with a record of 18-0, 11 knockouts.
Talal has assigned Abdullah Al Murad, through their entity Elite Sports Athletes (ESA), to be at the forefront of the momentous event.
“I was honest with the senator that I’m looking at this as my biggest break which I will surely maximize. I aim to create a buzz and become a household name. Sure, the organizers are calling this an exhibition but for me, it’s a chance to exhibit my talent as a future world champion,”added Zayani.
Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing, one month after bowing to Cuban Yordenis Ugas last August 2021 in Las Vegas.
Just last month, Pacquiao signed up for a six-round exhibition match against Korean youtuber DK Yoo which is scheduled to happen on Dec. 10 in Seoul, South Korea.
Pacquiao then agreed to take on Zayani when the deal was presented to him by his longtime trainer Nonoy Neri.
“That’s going to be a December Samgyup party for the senator but once he meets me inside the right, he’s going to get French toasted,” said the Frenchman.
