Manny Pacquiao 'ready to go' for Conor Benn fight as Saudi Arabia or Wembley explored for later this year

Manny Pacquiao looks set for a remarkable return to the ring this spring, with talks ongoing over a bout with Briton Conor Benn.

The Filipino icon has been out of the pro game since August 2021, when he lost a unanimous decision against Yordenis Ugas, who was a replacement for the injured Errol Spence Jr.

That in itself was Pacquiao's first taste of action in two years, with his last victory coming in July 2019 as he edged out Keith Thurman via split decision in a WBA welterweight title scrap. He later dropped that belt due to inactivity.

The record-breaking eight-division world champion has had one exhibition versus a martial artist since. Now, he is "ready to go" against a man 18 years his junior.

Speaking on the red carpet in Riyadh, where he is taking in Anthony Joshua's Friday night fight against Francis Ngannou, Pacquiao told Boxing Scene: "It’s been the same preparation. I know I can do this.

"I’m in shape, ready to go, and the months we gave [Matchroom Boxing to schedule the fight] are May and June.

"[Benn is] popular here and he’s willing to fight me now. I’ve seen it. He has a lot of fans here. I expect us to finalise it this weekend, and I think we’ll fight here in Saudi Arabia."

Benn is attempting to find his feet again after a rollercoaster last two years. April 2022 saw a brilliant knockout blitzing of Chris van Heerden in round two, before scheduling a money-spinning match-up with Chris Eubank Jr.

Aiming to reignite the rivalry of their fathers from three decades ago, the pair agreed on a catchweight and were set for a feisty encounter at O2 Arena. Just three days before the fight, though, the world learned of a failed drugs test from Benn.

The British Board of Boxing Control suspended Benn's license after his "adverse finding".

'The Destroyer' is still unable to fight in the UK, with his recent comeback seeing tune-up fights against relative unknowns Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson in the US.

His promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed the talks with Pacquiao are ongoing, intriguingly hinting at a return to home soil for Benn in London. He told Matchroom: "We’re talking.

"This is a fight I love between one of the legends of the sport against one of the biggest young lions at 147 pounds.

"If we can make this fight, we’d be very happy out here in Saudi Arabia or at Wembley Stadium. We’ll see, but we’re talking. I love the match-up. Idols become rivals."

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