Manny Pacquiao will step back into the ring at 46 years old. The Filipino boxing legend plans to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas, ending a four-year break from professional boxing.
Pacquiao, known as 'Pac-Man', made his name as an eight-division world champion. His last fight was a defeat to Yordenis Ugas, where he lost his WBA welterweight title. Now, he's got his sights set on Barrios, nicknamed 'El Azteca'.
The bout will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. If Pacquiao wins, he'll break his own record as the oldest welterweight champion, which he set in 2019 at 40 years old.
Robert Garcia, a respected trainer, shared his thoughts on the fight in an interview with Fight Hype. He believes Pacquiao must end the fight quickly to have a chance.
"Barrios is strong, Pacquiao is 46, I think Pacquiao wins because he does have a chance of winning because he's fast and strong, it's gotta be under four or five rounds, because if it goes past that then his legs, his conditioning could go in favour of Barrios, that's the way I think man, that's the way I see it. If Pacquiao wins it's gotta be under four or five rounds."
Garcia points out that while Pacquiao is fast and strong, a longer fight could favor Barrios due to Pacquiao's age and potential conditioning issues.
Pacquiao's return has sparked mixed reactions in the boxing world. Many fans and analysts question whether coming back at 46 is the right move for the Filipino icon.
In his last fight before his hiatus, Pacquiao outpointed Keith Thurman, then the WBA welterweight champion. That victory came when Pacquiao was 40, setting the current record for oldest welterweight champion.
The fight against Barrios will show if Pacquiao can still compete at the highest level after four years away from professional boxing. It's a big test for the veteran fighter, and the boxing world will be watching closely to see if he can recapture his old magic in the ring.
