Filipino veteran Manny Pacquiao confirmed that he will defend his welterweight champion belt for the World Boxing Association (WBA) against American Adrien Broner, in Las Vegas, on January 19.
At a press conference in New York, the two validated their fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
In addition, the Filipino did not rule out a future fight with Floyd Mayweather, something that he hinted for next year.
“When I met Floyd in Japan, we talked and he said he wants to come out of retirement to challenge me. All I know is to fight in a ring and entertain people. That’s my job. Floyd has come out of retirement, we’ll see after this fight, “said Pacquiao, regular WBA champion, one step below the title of” super champion “in the category Keith Thurman, after beating Argentine Lucas Matthysse in Kuala in July Lumpur.
I’ve missed fighting in Las Vegas. It’s been like a second home for me, ”Pacquiao said of his return to the ring in the United States two years later.
“Returning to the MGM Grand Garden Arena to defend my world title against Adrien Broner is an exciting way to mark my return,” he said.
Pacquiao, who turns 40 in December, has a record of 60 wins (39 by KO), seven losses and two voids while his opponent has a record of 33 (24 by KO) -3-1.
The Filipino, the only boxer in history to win world titles at eight different weights, has continued to fight after a first retirement in 2016.
Broner, for his part, assured that he hopes to retire his rival once and for all.
“I have paid my debts in this sport and now is the time to collect mine. Many people are going to see how I retire Pacquiao … and without his belt, “said the American. AFP