Four years after announcing his retirement, Manny Pacquiao is back. The Filipino former champion, a living boxing legend, will put on the gloves once again to face Mario Barrios for the World Boxing Council welterweight world championship on July 19 in Las Vegas.
The last time Manny Pacquiao stepped into a boxing ring was in August 2021, when he lost by unanimous decision to Cuban Yordenis Ugas in a fight for the WBA super welterweight title. Shortly after that fight, the Pacman announced his retirement with an emotional message: “This is the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but I’m at peace with it. Chase your dreams, work hard and see what happens. Goodbye to boxing.”
However, what seemed like a definitive farewell was only a pause. The only boxer in history to win titles in eight different divisions has decided to return to competition, and he will do so at the age of 46.
Pacquiao gets another vote of confidence
Pacquiao’s return has divided opinion in the boxing world. For some, age is an insurmountable obstacle. For others, such as Jose Benavidez Sr, the Filipino’s experience will be enough to make the difference against Barrios.
In an interview with Fight Hype, David Benavidez‘s father was blunt when Jeff Zimmerman asked him if he thought Pacquiao could come out victorious: “Hopefully, because to me Pacquiao is a hero. That would be something very important for a lot of people, a great motivation for a lot of people.”
Despite wanting victory, Benavidez Sr. acknowledges that the clash will be a challenge for Pacquiao, because he will face a tough opponent who moves well in the ring.
“Barrios is a tough fighter. He has proven his worth and always gives a lot of action to the fights,” said Benadivez, who in the end did not dare to give a definitive prediction on who will win. “We have to see, I think it will be a great fight. I’m looking forward to that fight. I just want to see what happens.”
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