[New post] Manny Pacquiao’s team call for Conor Benn fight as boxing legend returns to training and is set to ‘end his retirement’, but could legal case with Conor McGregor’s management derail plans?
Michael Benson posted: " Manny Pacquiao has now returned to training and is planning to come out of retirement at the age of 44. The legendary eight-weight world champion quit boxing following his defeat to Yordenis Ugas in mid-2021 and instead switched focus to his p" talkSPORT
Manny Pacquiao has now returned to training and is planning to come out of retirement at the age of 44.
The legendary eight-weight world champion quit boxing following his defeat to Yordenis Ugas in mid-2021 and instead switched focus to his political career in the Philippines.
Pacquiao is one of the greatest boxers of all time
However, Pacquiao was unsuccessful in his run to become President of his home country, though he remains a senator.
As a result, the veteran has since returned to the ring in exhibition bouts.
It appears as though he was planning to use these as a springboard for a full boxing return in 2023.
Yahoo Sport journalist Kevin Iole tweeted on Thursday that Pacquiao's MP Promotions representative Sean Gibbons informed him the legend 'began to train today' and is 'looking for a fight to end his retirement'.
Then Gibbons took to social media himself to call for a fight with Conor Benn and quickly received a response.
To which Benn commented: "Biggest Fight of the year! Let's Go!"
At present though, two issues could obstruct the showdown.
Firstly, Benn is currently without a boxing licence following his drugs testing situation.
Benn is currently not allowed to fight in the UK
The 26-year-old twice tested positive results for the banned substance clomifene in VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) drugs tests last year, prompting the BBBofC to prohibit his planned fight against Chris Eubank Jr from taking place
Due to the complicated and convoluted nature of the situation, there have been two separate investigations into the tests – one by the WBC sanctioning body and one by the BBBofC/UKAD (UK Anti-Doping).
Benn's representatives have co-operated with the WBC investigation by providing them with a 270-page document fighting his case. The BBBofC/UKAD investigation has not seen this document.
Last week, the WBC announced their conclusion – that they will be reinstating Benn into their welterweight world rankings and he will face no punishment.
Benn is 26, while Pacquiao is 44
They ruled that there is 'no conclusive evidence' he intentionally or knowingly ingested clomifene and accepted Benn's 'highly-elevated consumption of eggs' as a 'reasonable explanation' for positive tests.
There is yet to be any decision from the BBBofC/UKAD investigation and at present Benn remains without a licence.
It is thought this will not be a major issue though with his promoter Hearn already making plans for him to apply for a foreign licence and box abroad.
The second issue threatening Pacquiao vs Benn could be more pertinent.
In 2020, Pacquiao signed a a management deal with with Audie Attar's Paradigm Sports Management, who also represent Conor McGregor.
The following year, Paradigm filed a lawsuit against Pacquiao for breach of contract which remains ongoing.
In January of this year, Paradigm put out a strong statement on the matter.
"Manny's days of thumbing his nose at our contractual rights are almost at an end," Attar said, "We have an overwhelming case against him and look forward to justice being served.
Paradigm are best known for representing McGregor
"The court has already entered an order stating that – due to his consistent violation of court orders – Pacquiao is now deemed to have admitted that he breached his contract with Paradigm and that Paradigm has suffered more than $20million in damages."
He added: "If any promoters, managers, fighters, or broadcasting networks are considering entering into an agreement with Manny prior to the trial, they are now on notice that Paradigm will immediately commence an action against them for tortious interference with contract and seek both an injunction and damages.
"Once Paradigm wins at trial in March, we will cut off 100 percent of Manny's opportunities to earn money in the United States from any source because any revenue he generates will be attached to his judgment.
"Additionally, Paradigm will aggressively pursue enforcement of its judgment in any foreign country where Manny seeks to fight."
It is unclear how this situation will be resolved.
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