Manny Pacquiao wins on return to boxing ring for charity bout against YouTuber DK Yoo

Filipino multi-weight world champion took part, and won, the exhibition fight in Seoul to raise money for Ukraine and homeless Filipinos

Manny Pacquiao after fighting DK Yoo in their exhibition boxing match in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, on December 11, 2022. AFP

Manny Pacquiao lands a right hook on DK Yoo during their exhibition bout. AFP

Manny Pacquiao lands a punch on DK Yoo during the second round of their exhibition bout. AP

Manny Pacquiao lands a punch on DK Yoo during the third round of their exhibition bout. AP

Manny Pacquiao throws a body shot at DK Yoo during the second round of their exhibition bout. AP

Manny Pacquiao throws a jab at DK Yoo during the first round of their exhibition bout. AP

Manny Pacquiao lands a body shot on DK Yoo during the fourth round of their exhibition match. AP

Manny Pacquiao, right, lands a body shot on DK Yoo during the third round of an exhibition match. AP

DK Yoo is knocked down by Manny Pacquiao during the sixth round of an exhibition match. AP

Manny Pacquiao and DK Yoo shake hands after their exhibition boxing match. AFP

Manny Pacquiao and DK Yoo raise their arms after their exhibition match at the KINTEX. AP

Philippine boxing great Manny Pacquiao returned to the ring on Sunday for the first time since retiring to take part in an exhibition bout against South Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in Seoul.

The 43-year-old fighter turned politician stepped away from boxing to launch a bid for the Philippine presidency, a bid which ultimately failed. He also served as a senator between 2016 and May this year.

On Sunday, Pacquiao fought Yoo in a showcase match on the outskirts of the South Korean capital to raise money for Ukraine and homeless Filipinos.

Dressed in a shiny red robe with gold trimming, Pacquiao emerged into the KINTEX arena in Goyang to roars of excitement from the crowd.

Yoo, a martial artist and internet star, was competing in only his second boxing contest – his previous encounter an exhibition match against former UFC fighter Bradley Scott.

Yoo, dubbed the "Korean Bruce Lee" in his homeland, was no match for Pacquiao despite being significantly taller and heavier.

The South Korean was visibly tired and winded after the second round as a speedy Pacquiao moved in with an explosion of rapid-fire punches.

Pacquiao, who turns 44 next week, was the winner by unanimous decision and hinted that more appearances in the ring could lie ahead.

When asked about the prospect of a fight in 2023, he replied: "You'll see."

He had suggested prior to the match that he may not be done with fighting, calling Sunday's bout a "very good stepping stone to come back".

"This is a great opportunity to come back in the ring," he added. "I thought it was easy to retire... I really missed boxing."

Pacquiao, a multiple world champion who hung up his gloves with a 62-8-2 record after winning 12 major titles in eight weight classes, admitted: "I felt lonely when I retired from boxing."