Manny Pacquiao may finally have a fight lined up after Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek scored victory in his final contest in the code.
Buakaw defeated Nayanesh Ayman in a rematch on Saturday in the Rajadamnern World Series event in Bangkok.
Fighting under kickboxing rules, Buakaw won the three-round contest via unanimous decision at Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium.
In their first meeting, Buakaw knocked out the Congo-born Spaniard in the first round five years ago. He put Ayman on the floor again this time but couldn’t finish the battle early.
The 41-year-old announced in the post-fight interview that he would now leave Martial Arts for challenges elsewhere.
Manny Pacquiao vs Buakaw
Having already announced the Pacquiao fight last summer at a press conference, it’s believed the event will be next dependent on a couple of points.
According to former promoter Bob Arum, Manny Pacquiao is considering a return to professional boxing. Therefore, any fight that is not under exhibition rules will take precedence.
Buakaw could be forced to wait if Arum’s plan to pit Pacquiao against a former undisputed champion comes to fruition.
“A guy I’d like to get for [Josh] Taylor is Pacquiao,” Arum told Pro Box TV. “I think that’d be a good fight.
“Maybe they could do it at a catchweight or maybe at 147. I think that’s a fight that Pacquiao would be interested in.
“He spends an awful lot of money. He spent [a lot of money running] for office President [of the Philippines]. But he wouldn’t take anybody’s contributions, which is the normal thing to do.
“He’s a very wealthy guy, Pacquiao, but Manny wants to continue his career for at least another year or two. [Money is] the reason why they all come back.
“At a catchweight, or maybe even welter, because I think Taylor is having trouble fighting at 140, so we [can] do a catchweight or full 147,” added Arum.
Options
There is massive excitement in Asia surrounding Pacquiao vs Buakaw, with around $25 million guaranteed for the event. However, Pacquiao vs Taylor would be more lucrative in the European market.
Pacquiao will have to decide on which route he takes. While the “Pac-Man” also has the option of heading to Saudi Arabia for a clash with old sparring partner Amir Khan.
There’s money to be made for Pacquiao, who turns 45 later this month.
