Manny Pacquiao plans to step back into the ring at 46 years old. The Filipino boxing legend will face WBC world welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao's return comes as a surprise to many. The eight-division world champion retired in 2021 after losing to Yordenis Ugas. Before that, his last win was against Keith Thurman in 2019, when he claimed the WBA welterweight title.
Barrios, the current WBC world welterweight champion, last fought in November. He battled Abel Ramos to a split decision draw on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson. That fight marked Barrios' first defense of his 147-pound title.
Pacquiao's comeback has left fans and boxing experts stunned. However, not everyone's counting out the veteran fighter known as "PacMan."
Terence "Bud" Crawford, the former undisputed welterweight champion, shared his thoughts on Pacquiao's return:
"I can't say if he's too old or not, you know, if he gets in there and wins then everybody will be saying differently so I don't put no limit on an all-time-great like Manny Pacquiao."
The upcoming bout presents a significant challenge for both fighters. Pacquiao must prove he can still compete at the highest level after a lengthy layoff. Barrios, on the other hand, faces the pressure of defending his title against one of boxing's most celebrated figures.
As the July 19 fight date approaches, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to see if Pacquiao can turn back the clock one more time.
