Manny Pacquiao's touted comeback fight against controversial British prospect Conor Benn in Abu Dhabi this summer has been branded "sad" by legendary promoter Bob Arum.
Pacquiao hung up his gloves back in August of 2021 after a surprising loss to Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas, and is now eyeing up a ring return against Benn after one exhibition fight. The legendary eight-weight world champion is looking to face Benn, who is currently unable to fight in his home country.
The pair would compete on June 3 in the Middle East, with Benn's status in the UK causing problems for fellow Brits like Chris Eubank Jr in accepting the bout. Benn failed two drugs tests last year when he tested positive for clomiphene, and despite being re-entered into the WBC rankings at 147lb has yet to be cleared by the British Boxing Board of Control.
And iconic promoter Arum, who was a key player in Pacquiao's historic fight with Floyd Mayweather that became the biggest in the sport's history, has expressed his disappointment in seeing the legend return to the ring. “That’s sort of sad, because he is 45 [Pacquiao is 44],” Arum told Little Giant Boxing.
“But I know he always stays in good shape. And I wish him nothing but the best, but it’s just sad at the age of [44] that he feels it necessary to pursue a boxing career.”
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Pacquiao's promoter Sean Gibbons has said that an agreement has been reached for the fight to take place with Benn, telling Planet Sport that the ball is now in Benn, and his promoter Eddie Hearn's court. The Brits have been on the lookout for potential opponents, with Chris Eubank Jr the ideal opponent although that fight looks increasingly unlikely.
"Will he fight this year? You know what, Senator Manny Pacquiao has agreed to fight Conor Benn," Gibbons said. "Do me a favour, call Eddie Hearn. The ball is in his court. Senator Manny Pacquiao is happy to fight Conor Benn. Agreed - please call Eddie Hearn. We are looking at a few different options. We are looking at things, we are trying to figure some stuff out so I hope something happens."
Benn has argued that the reason he isn't offering his explanation to the British Boxing Board of Control is that he fears an unfair hearing after almost a year of controversy between the two sides. But it is also argued that the Brit would, even if cleared, face strict liability due to the nature of his failures and could face a suspension regardless.
