A Conor Benn vs. Manny Pacquaio fight appears to be approaching reality as both men were seen in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for the Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou weigh-ins.
The fact that Benn and Pacquaio were in Riyadh may not have been a coincidence, as one of the details still to be decided for a potential bout is the venue.
Speaking to The DAZN Boxing Show, Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn gave his thoughts on a possible Benn-Pacquaio showdown, and hinted that a deal may be close.
"We're talking," Hearn told Ariel Helwani. "This is a fight I love, it's a legend in the sport against one of the biggest young lions at 147 lbs."
As for where the fight could take place, Hearn listed a couple of options.
"Out here in Saudi Arabia, Wembley Stadium, we'll see," he said.
"But we're talking and as I said, I love the match-up. This guy right here (Benn), he's the future at 147lbs, and this man (Pacquiao) is one of the biggest legends in the sport of boxing."
Pacquaio last fought competitively in 2021, when he lost the WBA (Super) welterweight title to Yordenis Ugás. However, the 45-year-old has taken part in an exhibition fight against DK Yoo in Dec. 2022 and is scheduled for another exhibition bout in April, against Muay Thai fighter Buakaw Banchamek.
Benn was last in action last month, when he defeated Peter Dobson by unanimous decision.
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