Boxers fighting into their 40s isn't new. George Foreman famously did it. But Pacquiao's comeback at 46 after 72 professional fights and a long layoff is something we haven't seen before.
It's a risky move. Pacquiao looked outclassed in his last fight at 42. He hasn't had any high-level exhibition bouts since then. The decision to return now could be extremely dangerous.
Sugar Ray Leonard, a boxing legend himself, shared his thoughts on Pacquiao's comeback. He doesn't think it's foolish but warns about the mental and psychological challenges.
"When I came back, I didn't realize it was five years I've been out of this ring. You gotta get used to being hit, you gotta get used to being trained that hard, that level. It's more mental, more psychological, than it is physical... Maybe he can do it. Maybe he knows the right thing to do."
Leonard spoke to Fight Hub TV about his own comeback experience. In 1997, at 40 years old, he fought for the IBC middleweight belt against 34-year-old Hector Camacho. Leonard lost by TKO in the fifth round. It turned out to be the final fight of his career.
Pacquiao's situation looks even tougher. He's 46, facing 30-year-old Mario Barrios. The age gap is wider than in Leonard's comeback fight. Leonard's experience serves as a cautionary tale for Pacquiao.
The boxing world will watch closely as Pacquiao attempts to defy time once again. Will his legendary skills and determination be enough to overcome the challenges of age and inactivity? Only time will tell.