Pacquiao counters Mayweather, faces undefeated WBC title holder

Manny Pacquiao wasted no time transferring on from one other dismissal from Floyd Mayweather by signing his exhibition combat.

The eight-weight world champion continues to be linked to a rematch bout with Mayweather seven years after their Las Vegas battle.

Nevertheless, Mayweather moved on to a possible conflict in Dubai later this yr, probably in November. This state of affairs leaves the “Pac-man” free as a fowl.

The Philippines legend, a ruler in eight weight courses, will now face a former sparring accomplice in Jaber Zayani early subsequent yr.

Pacquiao and Zayani received acquainted a few years in the past earlier than the 43-year-old retired from skilled boxing.

Manny Pacquiao

Yordenis Ugas changed a failed Errol Spence headliner in the US earlier than Pacquiao suffered defeat through unanimous determination.

Since then, Pacquiao has agreed to commerce with fight YouTube fighter DK Yoo and now Zayani. This leaves a second encounter with Mayweather off the desk till no less than Could 2023.

Zayani, 18-0 and holds the WBC Asia belt, made his skilled debut in 2012. However lower than two fights per yr in a decade inform their very own story.

Dealing with the person who turned the oldest welterweight title holder ever in July 2019, Zayanis is delighted to have the ability to increase his profile.

“I personally negotiated with the Senator along with my workforce. After months of talks, we lastly agreed to a face-off subsequent yr,” stated Zayani.

“He already signed the contract, so it’s a go,” added Zayani after utilizing Filipino enterprise supervisor Nico Rojas as an advisor.

Pacquiao vs Zayani

Luis “Chavit” Singson, who has a chequered previous with Pacquiao, helped to supervise a non-sanctioned eight-round occasion.

Pacquiao and Zayani will use eight-ounce gloves for a conflict that’s tentatively set for mid-February on the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Persevering with to debate the Pacquiao collision, Zayani added: “Name it an exhibition or one thing, however when the Senator signed the deal, I instructed him to organize effectively as a result of I’m going to present him an actual combat.

“He then instructed me, “you higher be ready,” as each promised fireworks.

“I used to be sincere with the Senator [Pacquiao is no longer in the Philippine senate after losing the Presidential election and being removed from the party] that I’m this as my largest break.

“I’ll certainly maximize it. However I purpose to create a buzz and turn out to be a family identify.

“Positive, the organizers are calling this an exhibition. However for me, it’s an opportunity to exhibit my expertise as a future world champion.

“That’s going to be a December get together [fight against DK Yoo] for the Senator. However as soon as he meets me inside the suitable, he’ll get French toasted.