Manny Pacquiao is getting ready to step back into the ring at 46 years old. The Filipino boxing legend plans to face WBC champion Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas, though the location hasn't been officially announced yet.
Boxing comebacks aren't new. George Foreman famously took a decade off after his 28th birthday and kept fighting until he was 48. But Pacquiao's return has raised some eyebrows among fans who worry about his age, long time away from the sport, and the risk of a knockout.
These concerns aren't unfounded. Lighter boxers like Pacquiao often have a harder time maintaining their speed and agility as they age. It's also more dangerous for them compared to heavyweight fighters, who tend to age more gracefully in the ring.
When Pacquiao arrived in Los Angeles to start his fight preparation, reporters swarmed him with questions about these worries. His response was simple and confident:
"Don't worry about it."
Pacquiao's opponent, Mario Barrios, won't make things easy for the returning fighter. Barrios is big and strong for the weight class, with an impressive record of 29 wins, including 18 by knockout.
The fight will be for the WBC welterweight belt, adding extra motivation for both fighters. While Las Vegas seems to be the likely location, fans will have to wait for an official announcement to confirm all the details.
As the July 19 date approaches, all eyes will be on Pacquiao to see if the 46-year-old "PacMan" can turn back the clock one more time.
