Manny Pacquiao plans to return to the ring at 46 years old. The Filipino legend will face current welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao aims to become the oldest welterweight world champion in history. The WBC added fuel to the fire by installing him as the number five contender, a move that's drawn criticism for being unfair to active fighters in the division.
Amir Khan, who used to train with Pacquiao and has sparred with Barrios, shared his thoughts on the matchup with Sky Sports. Khan believes that in their prime, Pacquiao would win hands down. But the current situation makes things tricky for the Filipino icon.
"It's a fantastic fight for Mario, he needs that big fight. He'll be paid well and fighting a legend like Manny Pacquiao, who would say no to that?"
Khan pointed out that Barrios deserves this opportunity, as every fighter dreams of a big payday. He praised Barrios' skills, recalling their sparring sessions when Khan trained with Virgil Hunter.
"Mario deserves this fight because every fighter wants that big payday. It will be fantastic for him. When me and Virgil [Hunter] were training together, I used to spar with him quite a lot. He's a very good boxer. I don't know how much Manny's got left in him. If they were in their prime, in their peak, then I'd say all day Manny Pacquiao. But this could be a tricky fight for Pacquiao."
The British former champion raised concerns about Pacquiao's long absence from the ring and questioned his current motivation. He believes these factors could give Barrios an edge.
"At the end of the day, he's been out of the ring for a long time and has he still got the fire in his belly? Barrios, I'm sure he's going to come in wanting to win this fight because it can change his life."
Khan suggests that Pacquiao should avoid this fight altogether. If the Filipino star insists on returning to the ring, Khan recommends he face a fellow retired fighter - perhaps even Khan himself.
The boxing world watches with bated breath as Pacquiao prepares for this ambitious comeback. Will the aging legend prove he's still got what it takes, or will Barrios use this opportunity to cement his place at the top of the division?
