Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao previously confirmed his intention to fight in the coming months. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the timeline for his return murky. When asked about holding a match without spectators, the boxing icon appeared indifferent to the idea.
Manny Pacquiao might not want to fight in an empty venue
Nothing was spared from the effects of COVID-19, even some of the biggest sporting events in the world have been canceled. The NBA regular season 2019-20 was postponed while UEFA also decided not to push through with team matches set in June.
While Pacquiao has yet to finalize details about his return to the ring this year, he previously provided a timeline of a July match. But given the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very likely that his plans would change. Without the crisis, the boxer should start training around May to prepare for a July fight. But there is no guarantee that the pandemic will subside in the coming weeks.
The situation has raised suggestions for holding sporting events without a live audience. While no league has announced to be doing it, the idea is still unprecedented and quite hard to imagine. When asked about the matter, Pacquiao told Manila Bulletin, “I don’t want to think about it.” He added that it never crossed his mind that boxing or other sports would have been held in a venue where there no people to cheer for the athletes and fighters.
Manny Pacquiao next fight: What to expect
As mentioned, Pacquiao has been wanting to fight before July ends. More than preference, it works best for his schedule as a sitting Senator in the Philippines. He usually begins training in the United States about a couple of months ahead of each fight. But given the public health crisis, all this seems not plausible right not.
Boxing fans will have to wait to see Pacquiao up in the ring and his prospective opponents make the wait more exciting. Pac Man previously said Mikey Garcia and Errol Spence Jr. are two of his top choices to fight and both fighters have said the same about the 41-year-old boxer.


Trump Urges Hall of Fame Induction for Roger Clemens Amid Renewed Debate
Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Big-Money College Athlete Payouts
NBA Returns to China with Alibaba Partnership and Historic Macau Games
How did sport become so popular? The ancient history of a modern obsession
Trump Threatens Stadium Deal Over Washington Commanders Name
Extreme heat, flooding, wildfires – Colorado’s formerly incarcerated people on the hazards they faced behind bars
Why the Australian Open’s online tennis coverage looks like a Wii sports game
Trump Draws Cheers at Ryder Cup as U.S. Trails Europe After Opening Day
LA28 Confirms Olympic Athletes Exempt from Trump’s Travel Ban
Native American Groups Slam Trump’s Call to Restore Redskins Name
Champions League final 2025: a battle for glory against a backdrop of money and fashion
Trump Plans UFC Event at White House for America’s 250th Anniversary
Trump's Transgender Sports Ban Faces Enforcement Challenges
From Messi to Mika Häkkinen: how top athletes can slow down time
‘The geezer game’ – a nearly 50-year-old pickup basketball game – reveals its secrets to longevity 



