Manny Pacquiao's Boxing Return Hits Unexpected Snag: "Time Is Running Out"

Manny Pacquiao's boxing comeback hangs in the balance. The Filipino legend's potential fight against WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios faces hurdles, and time's running out due to Pacquiao's political goals.

At 45, Pacquiao hasn't stepped in the ring since losing his WBA Welterweight World Title to Yordenis Ugas in 2021. He's got his eyes set on a Senate seat in the Philippines, with elections coming up in 2025. The campaign period kicks off in February and runs until May 11, leaving a tight window for a potential fight.

Barrios, the current WBC Welterweight champ, was linked as a key opponent for Pacquiao's return. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman even backed the idea, provided Pacquiao passed medical checks. But there's a snag – Barrios is already set to defend his title against Abel Ramos in November on the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul undercard.

This scheduling conflict has thrown a wrench in the works. It rules out a Pacquiao-Barrios showdown this year and might even scrap the whole idea.

Sean Gibbons, Pacquiao's advisor, shared his thoughts with the media:

"Let's see what happens [with Barrios after his fight]. We are running out of a little time as 'Sir Manny' declared his candidacy for the Senate in 2025, so he's tied up from February to May 11, when the election is. But, anything can happen – after. For sure, that's [the Barrios title chance], but it is still the fight."

For now, Pacquiao will keep a close eye on Barrios' upcoming bout. It's not clear if he'll consider other opponents if the Barrios fight falls through. The clock's ticking on Pacquiao's comeback, and fans are left wondering if they'll see the boxing icon lace up his gloves one more time.

ESPN reported on the initial talks for the Pacquiao-Barrios bout, while World Boxing News shared Gibbons' comments on the time constraints facing Pacquiao's return to the ring.