Manny Pacquiao has begun training in earnest ahead of his return to the ring, with the Filipino teasing that “big news is coming soon”.
The eight-division world champion, 42, has not fought in almost two years, when he defeated the previously unbeaten Keith Thurman on points in July 2019.
Pacquiao has since been linked with high-profile bout against the likes of WBO champion Terence Crawford or IBF title-holder Errol Spence Jr, and even a crossover fight with UFC star Conor McGregor.
Most recently, fast-rising American lightweight Ryan Garcia had said a clash with Pacquiao was close to being booked, however The National understands that is not on the table at present.
On Tuesday night, Pacquiao tweeted: “Training camp has begun. I’m ready to get back in the ring and to further add to my legacy in the sport of boxing. Big news coming soon.”
A sitting senator in the Philippines, Pacquiao had targeted a busy 2020 in boxing, but the coronavirus pandemic derailed those plans. He has since said he would look to fight twice this year, which would extend his professional CV to 73 professional bouts.
His split-decision victory against Thurman took his record to 62-7-2, with 39 wins coming via knockout. The Las Vegas win landed Pacquiao the WBA welterweight “super” title, although last month the governing body said it was designating him "Champion in Recess" because of his inactivity. Cuban Yordenis Ugas was subsequently promoted to welterweight world champion.
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
