Manny Pacquiao's Ring Return Sparks Debate as Former Rival Weighs In: "He's Still Got It"

Manny Pacquiao's plans for a boxing comeback have hit a snag. The Filipino legend's hoped-for bout against WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios won't happen as planned.

Pacquiao has been eyeing a return to the ring for over a year. His last fight was a loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, where he gave up his WBA Welterweight World Title. At 45, Pacquiao still holds the record as the oldest champion in welterweight division history.

The former champ's team had been in talks with Barrios for a title fight. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman even gave his backing, pending medical checks. But things have changed.

Barrios will defend his WBC Welterweight Championship against Abel Ramos on November 15, 2024, in Texas. The fight will be on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson event.

Pacquiao's team wanted him to return before the end of 2024 due to his political commitments. An exhibition fight in Japan earlier this year didn't go well. Pacquiao looked out of shape, raising doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level again.

Barrios became the full WBC champion when Terence Crawford vacated the title. He had previously won the interim belt by beating Yordenis Ugas and defended it against Fabián Maidana.

His upcoming opponent, Abel Ramos, has a record of 28 wins (22 by knockout), 6 losses, and 2 draws. Ramos is currently ranked 8th by the WBC.

Pacquiao has received offers from other big names in boxing. Fans might think his comeback is off entirely now that the Barrios fight has fallen through. But with Pacquiao's determination and star power, don't count him out just yet.