GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Manny Pacquiao let the cat out of the bag Sunday on the prospect of a ring return in 2023.

Providing glitz and glamor to the revival of the legendary boxing show Blow-by-Blow, Pacquiao said a possible comeback could be in the pipeline and it could take place in the country.

Pacquiao announced his retirement shortly after being upset by Yordenis Ugas of Cuba in August last year as he was preparing to run for the presidency.

"Let's think about that," Pacquiao said when asked about changing his mind regarding staying retired.

But before everyone could assume that a comeback is already in the offing, Pacquiao said it would only be for "exhibitions."

Still, his recent statement belies what he's been up to the last month or so.

Pacquiao, who turns 44 on 17 December, has been training diligently in preparation for a special fight with Korean DK Yoo on 11 December in Seoul.

Apart from the traditional training routines, Pacquiao said he is even doing plyometric exercises, which is a separate and different part of boxing training.

"Have you seen what I have been doing lately?" Pacquiao said, his eyes lighting up.

Not only is Pacquiao training, his afternoon gym sessions are being supervised by the same guys who oversee his buildup for big fights, a sign that the former pound-for-pound king is up to something.