Manny Pacquiao says the desire to box and compete at the highest level remains. However, there are real fears over his return at 46.
One of boxing’s greatest ever champions dusts off his gloves and returns with a WBC welterweight title challenge on July 19. Pacquiao heads back to his spiritual home at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas after bowing out previously at the T-Mobile Arena across the strip.
Back in 2021, Pacquiao was due to battle Errol Spence Jr. in a WBA and IBF title unification. Spence pulled out injured following two significant car accidents and left Pacquiao in the lurch.
Losing to Spence for two world titles at a largely foreign arena might have been acceptable to Pacquiao at the time. However, the manner of the switch-up and the need to find a replacement must have made the loss all the harder to bear.
Yordenis Ugas, the WBA number one contender at the time, got the call. Pacquiao couldn’t get up for the fight.
The Cuban, an amateur star with over 100 wins, managed to get over the line with a unanimous decision. Had Pacquiao won, PBC would have resurrected the Spence fight.
As it turned out, Pacquiao was left to contemplate his future. The eight-weight world champion decided enough was enough and moved on.
Pacquiao vs Barrios
Four years and a failed return to politics later, former Philippines Senator Pacquiao is back. He looks considerably rougher around the edges but still has the speed and flashy training moves to go with an instantly recognizable legacy.
Those ingredients can go a long way, like getting you through the door in the first place, especially for an unwarranted title shot against Mario Barrios.
But you only have to ask Mike Tyson whether the body can do what the mind wants to process.
Tyson returned at 58, twelve years north of where Pacquiao currently stands. His training videos were more vicious than ever, and he looked in tremendous shape.
Facing Jake Paul, a YouTuber bereft of world-class boxing skills, Tyson’s decision dawned on him the moment the first bell rang.
Blasting out a ten-second combination in the gym is all good and well, but it’s different when you have an opponent hurtling towards you making you have to continue moving throughout the 120-second long session.
Despite Paul giving Tyson two-minute rounds, ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ was no longer living up to his nickname. He didn’t have what it took to be a fraction of his former self.
After a four-year layoff, Pacquiao is in the same predicament. His performance will give a massive indication of how all the comebacks of the past six years will move forward.
If anyone can do it, Manny Pacquiao can, but it’s a tall order.
Becoming the oldest welterweight champion ever against Keith Thurman on his last visit to the MGM, Pacquiao hopes familiar surroundings breed success.
He’s back with Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles and putting everything in place for one more run.
Pacquiao’s ring return coincides with his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame this weekend. However, a defeat against Barrios would take considerable shine off gaining his place this year.
If he loses, it’s a farewell bout. If he can pull off the victory, he wants Gervonta Davis.
Determination
The WBN Fighter of the Decade for the 2000s assured those gathered at the press conference announcement that he’s grateful.
“The fire, determination, and eagerness to work hard are still there. I’m still enjoying running in the mountains,” said Pacquiao.
“Not every fighter has this feeling. This is a blessing, because I’ve been through so many big fights in my career, and I’m still here. I’m back.
“To the boxing fans all over the world, thank you for accepting me again. I hope that on July 19, this fight will be entertaining for everyone.
“Everyone here is going to work hard in their training camp so that the fans are happy on July 19.”
One of the greatest competitors in the history of boxing, a former champion who ruled at flyweight before conquering at super welterweight, aims to beat his own record by six years.
That’s the level of expectation, not only from his fans, but from the man himself.
Everything is in place for a Rocky story fairytale for Pacquiao. He only has to hope his body can still cash that check.
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The views expressed in this article are the opinions of Phil Jay. Learn more, and read all articles from the experienced boxing writer.
