In September 2021, Manny Pacquiao said goodbye to boxing with an emotional message, thanking the Filipino people and closing a historic chapter after his defeat to Yordenis Ugas. At 42 years of age, with eight world titles in different divisions and an unforgettable career, it seemed that “Pac-Man” had said his last word in the ring.
However, against all odds, the Filipino legend is back. At 46 years of age, Pacquiao will face young Mario Barrios for the WBC interim welterweight title, an announcement that has shaken the boxing world. The fight is scheduled for July and will take place in a symbolic setting such as Times Square, where the ring will shine on a night that promises to be historic.
Terence Crawford does not rule out the Filipino legend
Many have been sceptical about the possibility of seeing Pacquiao compete at the highest level at almost five decades of life, but not Terence Crawford. The WBA super welterweight champion was asked about the Filipino’s return during his attendance at the fight between Canelo Alvarez and William Scull, and his words were cautious but full of respect: “I don’t know, we’ll see,” he said initially.
However, Crawford was quick to qualify his response, making it clear that he does not underestimate the veteran: “If he comes in and wins, everyone will say otherwise. So I don’t put limits on an all-time great like Manny Pacquiao”. For Crawford, boxing is not about age, but about results. And if Pacquiao achieves a victory, his comeback will be impossible to question.
Pacquiao for the WBC title
Beyond nostalgia, Pacquiao’s return serves a clear purpose: to hang up his gloves as a World Boxing Council champion. This was explained by Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the organization, when confirming that the Filipino will face Barrios: “Manny’s first world title was at flyweight with the WBC. Now he wants to retire as WBC welterweight champion,” he told Boxing King Media.
Although Pacquiao has not been officially ranked in recent years, Sulaiman backed his right to fight for the belt: “We do have that provision in the regulations. A legendary champion with Pacquiao’s credentials can fight.” Thus, his return is not just a symbolic act, but a legitimate quest to close his story with a flourish.
Manny Pacquiao’s decision is certainly bold. In his own words to ESPN, the Filipino feels he still has a lot to offer: “I made history at 40 by beating Keith Thurman, and I feel that at 45 I have a lot left in me, as I haven’t taken many punches in recent years,” he said. His return is not only a sporting gamble, but also a challenge to time and the very concept of retirement.
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