Manny Pacquiao's getting ready to step back into the ring after four years away. The 46-year-old boxing legend will face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, who's won titles in eight different weight classes, last fought in 2021. He lost to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision. Since then, he's been busy with politics in the Philippines. He made it to the Senate but lost in his bid for president and failed to get re-elected to the Senate.
The Filipino fighter announced his comeback on social media:
"I'm back. On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Let's make history!"
Pacquiao's return has raised some eyebrows in the boxing world. He's 16 years older than the 30-year-old Barrios, and he's been out of the game for a while.
Oscar De La Hoya, the former boxer turned promoter, shared his thoughts on "The Ariel Helwani Show":
"You know what? I learned that you can never tell a fighter if he has to retire or not, he has to make that decision on his own. I think if Manny wants to fight again and he feels it in his gut, he feels it in his heart, then why not give it a try?
But be careful, you're facing a young guy who's probably half your age, who's coming at you with everything, who's going to try to make a hole for you. So we can feel great in the gym, we can feel amazing throwing punches with the pads and in sparring, but when the first bell rings in a real fight, it changes completely when you're in your forties."
Pacquiao responded to these concerns in an interview with the Los Angeles Times:
"I'm still here, one at a time. That's the way I am. If there are changes in my boxing style, I have to listen to my body, my heart and if my mind is also there, then I'll know if I'm ready.
I appreciate that they are concerned, however, the only people I care about are my family. How I move, how I train, what condition I'm in, they support me because they can still see the old Manny Pacquiao."
Some analysts think Pacquiao could still beat Barrios, but they warn he needs to be careful. For Barrios, this fight is a chance to make a name for himself by taking on a boxing legend.
Pacquiao might not stop with this fight. He's hinted he might keep going, win or lose against Barrios. It looks like the boxing world will have to wait and see what happens on July 19.
