MANILA – Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is unlikely for the Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao to defend his WBA welterweight championship this year.
MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons said that, with just five months remaining in the year, it is doubtful for Pacquiao to step in the ring given his tight schedule as a senator.
“You got to remember there are a lot of things that have to happen,” Gibbons said in an interview with Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.
“And first, the COVID-19 needs to rapidly slow down,” he added. “His time to fight is generally January-July due to his schedule in the Senate.”
Gibbons admitted that there were offers for Pacquiao to fight in Saudi Arabia but the MP Promotions head still prefers United States where the Filipino boxer has a huge market.
Pacquiao last stepped in the ring over a year ago where he barely defeated previously unbeaten American boxer Keith Thurman to clinch the WBA welterweight championship./PN
