Filipino Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao To Hold Exhibition Match In Korea To Raise Funds for Ukraine

He will be taking on a match against a Korean Mixed Martial Artist and YouTuber.

According to event organizers, Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will participate in an exhibition match in Korea this December to raise money for war-torn Ukraine.

Pacquiao will take on Korean mixed martial artist and YouTuber DK Yoo on December 11 at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Goyang, northwest of Seoul. Proceeds of the match will be donated to Ukraine for relief and recovery efforts.

(Left to Right) Mixed Martial Artists DK Yoo and Filipino Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao | Yonhap

Pacquiao had his last official fight in August 2021. He said he would use the upcoming match to decide if he would still return to professional boxing or opt to remain on the exhibition circuit. His current career record is 62 wins (39 KOs), eight losses, and two draws.

Meanwhile, DK Yoo has amassed 655,000 subscribers on Youtube, with his clips showing fighting techniques. He said he would embrace the challenge of fighting against one of the all-time greats.

Obviously, I realize Pacquiao will be the heavy favorite. But I am bigger, and I hope to take advantage of that. I am not thinking about the result right now. My goal is to train hard and show a great athlete like Pacquiao what I am capable of.

— DK Yoo

Pacquaio said he knows what it takes to be pitted against larger foes and has been fighting against bigger guys since 2000. He has seen clips of Yoo’s fight against former Ultimate Fight Championship (UFC) fighter Bradley Scott which Yoo lost.

Boxing is more difficult than martial arts. He needs to learn more and train hard for boxing because it requires stamina, footwork, and head movements.

—Manny Pacquiao

This is not the first time Pacquiao will donate his boxing match’s proceeds to charity. In 2019, he set up The Manny Pacquiao Foundation, which is involved in projects for the less fortunate, covering projects on housing, trafficking victim support, and Covid-19 Relief.  His earnings from past boxing matches were also apportioned for charitable causes.

Source: Tyhe Korea Times and