- Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring December 11 for a boxing exhibition against DK Yoo.
- The Filipino fighting legend told Insider this week that he won't receive any of the money.
Boxer and politician Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring Saturday for an exhibition against MMA fighter DK Yoo on Fite, and told Insider ahead of the show that he won't receive a penny from the boxing event.
"100% of the proceeds of this exhibition event goes to charities," the 43-year-old said Friday.
Pacquiao, a former eight-weight world champion, is renowned for fighting a gauntlet of top tier competition, and is a lock for the sport's Hall of Fame once he is eligible for induction.
The Filipino fighter has competed in some of boxing's most memorable events having fought Erik Morales twice, Marco Antonio Barrera twice, Juan Manuel Marquez four times, as well as Floyd Mayweather, Oscar de la Hoya, and Shane Mosley.
Pacquiao last fought in August 2021 when he lost via decision to Yordenis Ugas, and struggled to even open his eyes days after the defeat.
Yet he competes once again in an unofficial Triller Fight Club bout, broadcast on Fite for $28.99 in the U.S.
Pacquiao wants to put on a show, and shine a light on his housing project
Early in the coronavirus pandemic, when parts of the world just began locking down, Pacquiao said he was "not afraid to die" to help the Philippines fight COVID-19.
Almost three years on, he said he's proud that his foundation, "during the pandemic, donated more than 2 billion pesos ($36 million) to people" in need.
His wife, Jinkee, tested positive for the virus but did not suffer severe symptoms, while Pacquiao himself has remained negative.
The Pacquiao Foundation has, to date, constructed 300 homes in three locations for families in need, according to its official website.
Eighty additional homes are already under construction, Pacquiao said, in anticipation of receiving funds raised from this weekend's bout against Yoo.
"Families in need will benefit from this event," he said. "If there is more money raised we can add more [homes] as the construction is still ongoing."
DK Yoo is one of the biggest opponents Pacquiao has ever faced
As a fighter who entered boxing as a flyweight but finished having fought at junior middleweight, Pacquiao is used to taking on bigger opposition.
Against martial artist DK Yoo, who claims to know 15 martial arts, Pacquiao rises to his tallest challenge as they'll compete at middleweight — 160 pounds.
"I'm excited to get back into the ring after more than a year," Pacquiao told Insider. "DK Yoo is taller than me, bigger than me, and I cannot take him lightly.
"Boxing in mixed martial arts is different. It depends on the particular fighter but he knows how to punch also, he knows what is boxing.
"I have to make sure that this exhibition much will give a good fight, with good action, to make people happy."
An action fight, though, won't detract Pacquiao from his message
"This is a charity event and we can help other people," Pacquiao said.
"Proceeds will be donated to the families who are affected by the war," in Ukraine against Russia. "And also to give shelter to the homeless" in the Philippines.
"This is purely for charity," he reiterated.
It's still a fight, though, and Pacquiao said he'd try his best to finish Yoo by knockout.
The show begins at 10 p.m. ET on Fite.