As usual, Saudi Arabia is filled with esteemed guests before Francis Ngannou takes center stage to box against Anthony Joshua. One of those esteemed guests is Manny Pacquiao. The 45-year-old Filipino politician and former boxer is present in Saudi Arabia for multiple reasons. He has faced off with one of the young boxers prompting rumors of a boxing comeback. Moreover, in a surprise, he walked out with one of the fighters on the undercard.
Manny Pacquiao was rumored to take on Floyd Mayweather in a boxing bout for a few months. It was even announced that the fight was signed, however, no further updates have been provided. Meanwhile, it seems as if Pacquiao is preparing for another boxing comeback altogether. He faced off against 27-year-old Conor Benn in Saudi Arabia and rumors have it that the pair are ready to go at it.
During his appearance in Riyadh, Manny Pacquiao told Boxing Scene, “It’s been the same preparation. I know I can do this.
“I’m in shape, ready to go, and the months we gave [Matchroom Boxing to schedule the fight] are May and June.
“[Benn is] popular here and he’s willing to fight me now. I’ve seen it. He has a lot of fans here. I expect us to finalize it this weekend, and I think we’ll fight here in Saudi Arabia.”
‼️ Manny Pacquiao vs Conor Benn face-off as it’s confirmed they’re in talks to fight in Saudi Arabia next…
[🎥 @MatchroomBoxing]
pic.twitter.com/Wlc5GZ5Pkj— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) March 7, 2024
British boxer Benn is 23-0. He was also charged and suspended by the UK Anti-Doping Agency in March 2023. Benn fought in April 2022 and next fought in September 2023. His latest fight was in February 2024 against Peter Dobson and he won that bout via unanimous decision. On the other hand, Pacquiao last fought Yordenis Ugas and lost via unanimous decision in 2021. Before that, he won against Keith Thurman via split decision in 2019.
Manny Pacquiao walks out with WBC Featherweight Champion Rey Vargas
Manny Pacquiao walked out with Mexican professional boxer Rey Vargas for his fight against Nick Ball. It was unexpected for Pacquia to walk out with the WBC Featherweight Champion.
The legendary Manny Pacquiao walking reigning WBC featherweight champ to the ring to face Nick Ball🥊
🎬 @SkySportsBoxing #VargasBall | #MannyPacquiao | #KnockoutChaos pic.twitter.com/yTWVODGw05
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) March 8, 2024
Not too long ago, Vargas won the title against Mark Magsayo, a Filipino boxer who idolizes Pacquiao. However, the 45-year-old former boxer walked out with Vargas in style.
Rey Vargas earns a split decision draw despite being knocked down twice against Nick Ball
British boxer Ball thought he had done enough to get the win against Vargas, however, it was not to be. The undefeated boxer was initially being dominated by Vargas. The Mexican was the stronger fighter in the first half of the fight. Meanwhile, Ball was not fighting cleanly. He was verbally disciplined by the referee and even warned for tossing Vargas to the canvas in the second round. However, the Britisher avoided a point deduction.
In the seventh round, Ball started hitting strong punches and in the eighth, he knocked Vargas down. The Mexican defended himself claiming he was thrown down but the referee issued a count. Another back-and-forth followed in the next few rounds and Vargas was knocked down again by Ball in the 11th round.
A DRAW 😳
Nick Ball and Rey Vargas go the full 12 and it’s adjudged a split decision draw. Right call? 👀#JoshuaNgannou, live now worldwide on DAZN. Buy 𝗡𝗢𝗪 at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv #KnockoutChaos | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/KvupythUHY
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 8, 2024
According to Ring TV, “Judge Massimo Barrovecchio (114-112) scored it for Vargas, while Jun Bae Lim (116-110) had it wide for Ball. Judge Rey Danseco (113-113)… produced the even score and thus the split draw.”
According to Compubox, Vargas landed 118-of-536 total punches (22%) and Ball landed 111-of-472 (23.5%). Both fighters felt they did enough to win the fight but they had to settle for a draw. Vargas retained his title.