7 May 2013

Pacquiao returns to the ring to take on Rios in Macau

5:17 pm on 7 May 2013

Manny Pacquiao will return to the ring to fight American Brandon Rios in a 12-round welterweight clash in Macau in November.

It will be Pacquiao's first fight since he was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez in December, a defeat that prompted many to suggest the 34-year-old should retire after being left unconscious, face down on the canvas by his Mexican rival.

It will a first bout outside the United States since 2006 for Pacquiao who has won world titles at eight different weight divisions.

Pacquiao also lost to Timothy Bradley in his only other bout last year, the back-to-back defeats seemingly ending all hope of a lucrative clash against undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Rios is also coming off a loss, Mike Alvarado claiming a unanimous points decision in their March contest in Las Vegas.