The Manny Pacquiao-Ryan García clash is the talk of the boxing fandom all across the world, with ongoing talks already being speculated to make the fight happen in 2021. However, the fight is reportedly planned to an exhibition fight, which has irked the fans.
Just a couple days ago, Mike Coppinger of The Athletic reported that discussions are already happening to schedule the fight this year, which will see Ryan García’s (21-0, 18 KO) ‘dream‘ of stepping inside the ring with the revered “PacMan” (62–7–2, 39 KOs) turn into reality.
The bout would see the 22-year-old KingRy, who recently won the WBC interim lightweight belt against Luke Campbell, take on a legendary pugilist like Pacquiao who is almost twice his age and even more the experience.
Pacquiao-García likely to be an exhibition match, without any titles on the line or losses to be counted
Amongst all the excitement building up to the faceoff, Steve Kim has claimed on Twitter that the clash would be an exhibition fight, which would essentially mean there won’t be any winner or loser from the match.
Additionally, Pacquiao’s WBA (Super) welterweight belt won’t be on the line, nor a defeat would be counted in both boxers’ professional careers, which means García can maintain his unbeaten streak even if he is taken down by his idol.
“OK, I’m told that in regards to Pacquiao-Ryan Garcia, nothing is finalized. The plan is for this bout to be an exhibition. Also, it would take place at THE ONE on Sunset Blvd…. #boxing,” Steve Kim tweeted.
On the other hand, there have also been speculations that Pacquiao will face UFC icon Conor Mcgregor in the squared circle, a fight that Steve Kim also doubts the legitimacy of.
“Alright, if Pac-Garcia is going to be an exhibition, just scrap it. Let’s go back to ‘the Pac Man’ vs. Conor McGregor, sorry, but I need some legitimacy to these match-ups. Not a fan of Pacquiao-Garcia being an exhibition. But hey, at least the WBA belt wont be on the line, right?!?! #boxing” Kim added.
Pacquiao was last seen in action against Keith Thurman on 20th July 2019 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada where he clinched the WBA welterweight belt via split decision.
