It’s 46 years, it’s not a small thing and the boxing world knows it, but Manny Pacquiao is confident of getting through the challenge of his comeback fight against Mario. Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas, Nevada, despite the ‘disadvantage’ of his age, and especially after four years of retirement.
PacMan has not stepped into a boxing ring in an official fight since he lost to Cuban Yordenis Ugas in 2021, and has not known victory since 2019, when he won by split decision against American Keith Thurman.
Concern for PacMan
This return has a controversial component, as at his age, the Filipino has many concerned about his health and the fact that with this element in the equation he could well be endangered against a boxer 16 years younger.
And there are several who have expressed it, from his former promoter Bob Arum, businessman and promoter Eddie Hearn and many more, joined by former champion and now promoter Oscar de la Hoya, who also came to face him, and no, it is not the experience and the long experience of the former eight-division champion that worries the ‘Golden Boy’.
“Give your body a rest”
This is what De La Hoya told Fight Hub TV: “He’ll do fine. He’s experienced. He has the power that never leaves you, but Pacquiao, you’re 46 years old. You have to remember that, so give your body a break (…) The rest between training and sparring sessions is now Manny Pacquiao’s best friend. I’m a little worried about the speed, because I think Barrios is a fighter“.
De La Hoya admitted that he does not follow Barrios’ fights and is not up to date with his career, but he knows that his youth will be a very important factor that may tip the balance in his favor, although despite this he did not dare to give a prediction.
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