Manny Pacquiao's draw against Mario Barrios has got people talking about his next move. The Filipino boxing legend showed he's still got it, going toe-to-toe with a younger champion and leaving many fans feeling he deserved the win.
This impressive performance has sparked new interest in a potential rematch with Floyd Mayweather. Their 2015 bout, while a financial success, left fans wanting more. Since then, Pacquiao kept fighting for six more years, while Mayweather hung up his gloves professionally in 2017.
Pacquiao's recent fight against Barrios turned heads, including that of Yordenis Ugas, the man who sent Pacquiao into retirement four years ago. Ugas said:
"How is it possible that four years later he faces a boy 16 years younger and gives another good fight? Pacquiao is incredible. Without a doubt, one of the best in history."
The 62-8 boxer isn't shy about wanting another crack at Mayweather, already calling for him to "sign the contract." But not everyone thinks it'll happen.
Curmel Moton, an undefeated lightweight prospect and Mayweather's protege, shared his thoughts:
"I don't think Floyd wants a rematch, although Manny does. It was a great fight. I think we should leave it at that."
Despite this, the 19-year-old boxer, who turned pro in 2023 and boasts an 8-0 record, admitted he'd like to see the two legends face off again.
Teofimo Lopez, a 22-1 boxer, also weighed in on Pacquiao's recent performance:
"What Manny Pacquiao is doing at this age is different. He's upbeat, full of energy, motivated and determined, and I look forward to seeing him raise his hands again, become world champion once again."
Lopez scored the Pacquiao-Barrios fight heavily in Pacquiao's favor, saying:
"I had it 10-2, 9-3. The amount of punches he was landing, and in the last 10 seconds, he was showing more aggressive punches."
He believes Pacquiao shouldn't bother with a Barrios rematch, feeling the Filipino star "did more than enough and eclipsed him." Instead, Lopez echoes the sentiment of many fans, suggesting Pacquiao should set his sights on Mayweather once again.
As the boxing world buzzes with speculation, all eyes are on Pacquiao's next move. Will we see a rematch of one of boxing's most lucrative fights, or will the Filipino legend choose a different path? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure - Manny Pacquiao has proven he's still a force to be reckoned with in the ring.
