Former world champion boxer ready to come out of retirement aged 37 to fight Manny Pacquiao

KELL BROOK is willing to come out of retirement for a blockbuster exhibition with Manny Pacquiao.

The former IBF welterweight champion hung up his gloves after winning his grudge match with Amir Khan in February 2022.

AFP

Manny Pacquiao retired from boxing in September 2021 after losing to Yordenis Ugas[/caption]

AP

The 45-year-old is rumoured to be willing to come out of retirement this year[/caption]

GETTY

The former eight-weight world champion has been called out by Kell Brook[/caption]

Brook, however, has flirted with the prospect of returning to the ring in recent months – entertaining a domestic clash with Conor Benn.

But the Sheffield Slugger has now turned his attention to former eight-weight world champion Pacquiao – who is rumoured to be out of retirement.

Special K told Lucky Block: “I wouldn’t shy away from it if it made sense for me and boxing fans wanted to see it happen.

“Maybe we could get Amir Khan or Manny Pacquiao back in the ring.

“Manny Pacquiao is a legend, of course I’d love to share the ring with him. It would be an honour.”

Pacquiao, 45, retired from professional boxing in September 2021 – a month after losing to WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas.

The pride of the Philippines, however, returned to the ring in December 2022 for a one-sided exhibition bout with South Korean martial artist DK Yoo.

Pacman is set to return to action in April for another exhibition against Muay Thai legend Buakaw.

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A return to the professional ranks, however, could be on the cards for the future hall of famer – who has his sights set on some big names.

His manager Sean Gibbons told Boxing Scene: “Technically, he’s out of retirement.

“He would love to fight Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia. He’s got about a year left.

“He just wants to fight. Manny feels that he’s in tremendous shape.

“He’s training for this exhibition but hopefully that will lead to something bigger and better.

“I do [see a pro return for Pacquiao]. One of the fights that people talked about for a long time was Manny Pacquiao versus Conor McGregor.

“That’s something that will be sensational in Saudi Arabia, let’s go. It will be a good place to do it. It’s really simple.

“His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, [the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia], loves big events.

“And he’s putting on the best events.

“It’s a very intriguing and fun fight bringing two of the biggest names together in combat sports.”

Kell Brook retired after winning his February 2022 grudge match with Amir KhanRex

REUTERS

Manny Pacquiao is eyeing some big-name fights this year[/caption]