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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider Demetrious Johnson wants Manny Pacquiao under boxing rules

Demetrious Johnson wants Manny Pacquiao under boxing rules

Published May 7, 2024 08:40 am

At A Glance

  • Doubling down on the challenge, he eyes a legend of the sport – not some influencer or fellow MMA fighter. He wants eight-division Boxing World Champion Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao. 

ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson has never shied away from a challenge. 

IMG_9975.JPG
 Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson (left) and Manny Pacquiao 

From fighting Muay Thai king Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a mixed-rules super fight where he had to survive one round in “the art of eight limbs” to battling a guy in jiu-jitsu nearly double his size, “Mighty Mouse” is mighty courageous. 

Now he wants to challenge himself in the world of boxing, a bold move considering Johnson didn’t come from a striking background.

“I’m going to break some news right now. I came home last night, broke down some content, and was watching Canelo Alvarez. Watching him box, I was like, ‘Oh my god, that looks so damn dope.’ [I] went to the gym, did jiu-jitsu, then came home and [thought I wanted to box],” Johnson said. 

Doubling down on the challenge, he eyes a legend of the sport – not some influencer or fellow MMA fighter. He wants eight-division Boxing World Champion Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao. 

It makes perfect sense if these two go at it. 

Both fighters are two of the greatest small men in their respective sports, with Johnson and Pacquiao overwhelming their opponents with speed and deceptive power. 

These two guys seemingly also share the same philosophy when it comes to building up fights, avoiding unnecessary drama while focusing on their skills. This makes them two of the most respected fighters in combat sports. 

“When my body is ready for a hard training camp, I’d love to box,” Johnson said. 

“And it would have to be the right opponent. If it was Manny Pacquiao, f— it, I’m doing it. I don’t want to box another MMA guy. I wouldn’t mind, but I want to box a legend of the sport.”

ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong is no stranger to putting together massive fights, and while he didn’t mention actually planning it, he likes the idea. 

“I am down for it!” Sityodtong said. “Two goats!” 

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Demetrious Johnson Manny Pacquiao
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