Manny Pacquiao plans to step back into the ring on July 19. The legendary Filipino fighter will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship at the age of 46.
Pacquiao's comeback adds to an already packed day of boxing. Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will battle for undisputed glory at Wembley. Bam Rodriguez, Sebastian Fundora, and Isaac Cruz will also lace up their gloves on the same date.
The odds don't favor Pacquiao in his return bout. He'll enter the ring as a big underdog against Barrios. This fight carries significant risks for the veteran boxer's health and legacy.
Pacquiao spoke to the BBC just days before the fight. He expressed his main concern:
"I'm worried for my reputation. But I'm making sure that I'm not a kind of fighter like other fighters that come back but they are not showing what they did before. I want to prove to the fans that Manny Pacquiao is still there... I'm excited for this fight."
The former champion wants to show he can still compete at a high level. He aims to avoid disappointing his loyal fanbase. Pacquiao hopes to maintain the reputation he's built over his storied career.
This bout could mark Pacquiao's final exit from professional boxing. On the other hand, it might kickstart another chapter in his already impressive story. The outcome will likely shape how fans remember the Filipino icon's legacy in the sport.
Pacquiao's strong connection with his supporters has driven him back to competition. His legendary status in boxing adds extra weight to this comeback attempt. Fight fans around the world will watch closely to see if the 46-year-old can recapture his past glory against a younger opponent.
