Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao, at 46 years of age, has offered a clearer insight into the end of his illustrious boxing career. Although he is preparing for his eagerly awaited return to the ring on Saturday, July 19, in a key fight against Mario Barrios, Pacquiao has suggested that his final farewell to the ring is not far off, stating that he only has a couple of fights left.
This statement comes at a time when the boxing world seems to be experiencing a “wave of comebacks”, with other figures such as Ricky Hatton and Paulie Malignaggi flirting with a return to action, possibly inspired by Pacquiao himself. However, “Pac-Man” remains focused on his own path, looking to close out his career in style.
On the way to official retirement
It has been four years since Pacquiao last stepped into the ring for a professional fight, when in 2019 he surprised many by defeating Keith Thurman. His subsequent return in 2021 against Yordenis Ugas ended in defeat and led him to a brief retirement. Despite his age, Pacquiao has maintained a rigorous training discipline and his confidence in his physical abilities remains intact.
“It’s hard to say right now. All I can say is one at a time. I think I have two or three fights left. I feel like I could do this for a couple more years. But I’m taking it one at a time,” Pacquiao told Covers.
The challenge is approaching
The first step in this final stretch of his career will be his clash with Mario Barrios. Although critics have downplayed the threat posed by Barrios, the Filipino is aware that his opponent comes with the motivation to make a name for himself in boxing, having suffered defeats only to elite figures such as Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman.
Surprisingly, one of those who supports Pacquiao’s ability to emerge victorious is Oscar de la Hoya, the same former boxer whom Pacquiao retired from boxing 17 years ago. In a conversation with Elie Seckbach, De La Hoya highlighted the qualities that, in his opinion, still make “Pac-Man” formidable:
“I have Pacquiao for his footwork… He confuses you, and throws punches from different angles. And he comes from left, right, forward and backward,” said De La Hoya, highlighting the characteristic speed and unpredictable angles that have defined the Filipino’s career and with which he hopes to triumph in this new comeback.
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