Philippines, 08 May 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent: chess king Magnus Carlsen

PhilBoxing.com





Boxing megastar Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao has revealed his next big fight is on a board against a 10-year-old app version of chess king Magnus Carlsen.

The 12-time world champ boxer-turned politician will make a rare appearance to compete in the Magnus Carlsen Celebrity Charity Challenge.

Pacquiao is the latest and greatest in a line of big names to take on the World Chess Champion’s younger self at his own game and the unique spectacle will be broadcast during the Finals event of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour.

Pacquiao, a huge chess fan and a Senator in his homeland of the Philippines, will no doubt be hoping he can box clever and land a knockout blow.

But so far, no celebrity taking the challenge has beaten Carlsen on his Play Magnus app. The longest anyone has survived is 49 moves.

The stakes are high. Pacquiao - who is hoping to raise awareness for the “Stop Asian Hate” campaign - will get $5,000 to donate to his chosen charity just for taking part. If he wins the challenge by lasting the longest, he will secure an extra $50,000.

Carlsen said: “I can’t wait to see how the legendary Manny Pacquiao does against a 10-year-old me on the Play Magnus app. I wasn’t World Champion back then, but I was already playing decently so it’s going to be hard!”

Pacquiao added: “I am very much excited to play Magnus Carlsen, the world chess champion. This is something that doesn't happen every day and I will be placed in a different arena this time around."

Pacquiao will be raising funds for the Manny Pacquiao Foundation, the charity built on the Senator’s commitment to giving back and fighting for those less fortunate.

The uses the hashtags #pacquiaofoundation #pacquiao #jointhefight #bethechange and #teampacquiao on social media.

Watch the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour broadcast on October 1 to find out what happens when the 12-time world boxing champ takes on the four-time World Chess Champion.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Cinco De Mayo, A Historic Celebration Of Boxing
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Abne, Zhu Make Weight for IBF Eliminator in Cebu; Winner Fights Taduran
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • IBA presents stacked fight card for May 21 event in Mexico City
    , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Laurente to promote amateur boxing
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Heavyweight Gustavo Trujillo Has a New Date Returns May 30 at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale
    , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Toro Promotions & Whitfield Haydon Officially Announce ‘Sizzling Summer Boxing Series’
    , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Jean Henri Lhuillier Drives ASAPHIL’s Winning System Through Long-Term Vision and Coaching Continuity
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Dy ready to face Malignaggi in BKB on May 16
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 07 May 2026
  • ‘A younger lion always comes for that old lions spot. Your time is up, GET OUT OF MY WAY! – Manny Ritti challenges former ONE FC World Champion Nobutsu Suzuki May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
    , Thu, 07 May 2026
  • Kenia Enriquez Signs Multi-Year Contract with Latin KO Promotions
    , Thu, 07 May 2026
  • FM Habla, Madriaga win Armageddon for IIEE-PSME Quezon City in PCAP
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 07 May 2026
  • Undefeated heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor Graduates to 10-rounder this Saturday in Atlanta
    , Thu, 07 May 2026
  • Jonas Magpantay bags P300,000 with Congressman Jeffrey Ferrer 10-Ball title win
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 06 May 2026
  • Abdullah Mason Returns Home for Lightweight World Title Defense against Joe Cordina July 4 at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center
    , Wed, 06 May 2026
  • Christopher Guerrero to face Delante Johnson on July 4 at the CSU Wolstein Center in Cleveland!
    , Wed, 06 May 2026
  • Yanong and Horiike make weight in Japan for OPBF 140 lb. title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 05 May 2026
  • Kulog at Kidlat: Boxing, Art, Thunder and Lightning at the 3rd Pacquiao–Elorde Awards
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Tue, 05 May 2026
  • Camique forced to fight after food poisoning; hospitalized after losing by UD
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 05 May 2026
  • Tony Tolj Previews Thunderdome 54
    , Tue, 05 May 2026
  • Mexican boxing historian Eduardo Lamazón passes away at 70
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 05 May 2026
  • NM Rolly Parondo rules Thailand FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 05 May 2026
  • Wardley vs Dubois: 95% KO Power Collides in Manchester — Winner Gets Usyk Next
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 05 May 2026
  • Former Cuban champions Gamboa and Rigondeaux returns on May 30 in Fort Lauderdale
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 05 May 2026
  • Pido to defend crown in SIGLO 100km Ultramarathon
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 05 May 2026
  • Yanong arrives in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 04 May 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.