Manny Pacquiao‘s draw against Mario Barrios has opened a Pandora’s box of reactions. The outcome surprised many fans and pundits alike. Given the way he fought the reigning welterweight champion, some felt Pacquiao deserved the win. Even his former opponent, Yordenis Ugas, who forced the PacMan into retirement four years ago, weighed in. “How is it possible that four years later he comes against a kid 16 years younger and puts up another good fight? It was a very close fight. But Pac-Man is incredible. Without a doubt, one of the best fighters in history,” Ugas commented.
Clearly, while Mario Barrios retained his belt, Manny Pacquiao won the hearts. But the fight also reopened another conversation that’s been gaining momentum lately: the potential Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch. The two legends clashed in 2015 in what was one of the richest but most underwhelming fights in boxing history. Pacquiao fought on for six more years after that bout, while Floyd Mayweather hung up his gloves in 2017, at least professionally. Now, with Pacquiao staging a return and holding his own against a much younger titleholder, the question arises: what’s stopping the unbeaten Mayweather from doing the same? Pacquiao believes it would only take one step.
During the post-fight press conference, Fight Hub TV’s Marcus Hayes posed the question, “Manny, with the way that you performed tonight. Do you feel like this was enough to coax Floyd Mayweather out, and maybe you guys get a rematch right here in this same building? Do you feel like this version of you beats the version of Floyd Mayweather that exists today?”
Boxing: Pacquiao vs Ugas, Aug 21, 2021 Las Vegas, Nevada Manny Pacquiao is pictured before the start of a world welterweight championship bout against Yordenis Ugas at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports, 21.08.2021 21:09:21, 16621698, Manny Pacquiao, Boxing, T-Mobile Arena PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStephenxR.xSylvaniex 16621698
Pacquiao looked visibly tired. His face bearing the marks of a grueling 12-round battle. It was a question he had been asked repeatedly in recent days. After pausing briefly, he responded. Predicting whether a long-retired fighter would return is never easy, he said, but “If he comes out, then go sign the contract and we will fight.”
As far as Pacquiao is concerned, he’s all in. “I mean, let’s fight again if he wants. I have no problem with that. I’m active now. I don’t pick my opponent,” he reaffirmed, echoing what he had said in the lead-up to the Barrios bout.
After all, it’s hard to separate the names Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. Despite their different career paths, opponents, and accolades, their legacies continue to intertwine.
The Pacquiao-Mayweather saga: years later, still unfinished
It’s no surprise, then, that Pacquiao’s performance reignited debate. At 45, he nearly outboxed a younger, reigning champion. In a recent interview with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, Pacquiao made it clear: only a full, professional bout interests him. Not an exhibition.
NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Finals-Denver Nuggets at Miami Heat Jun 7, 2023 Miami, Florida, USA Floyd Mayweather Jr. attends game three of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets at Kaseya Center. Miami Kaseya Center Florida USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKylexTeradax 20230607_jcd_st3_0014
And speaking to Ariel Helwani just days before the fight, he didn’t mince words: “Of course (I’d be interested). He’s been ducking (the rematch). I don’t want an exhibition with (Mayweather); I want a real fight.”
Mayweather, though two years older than Pacquiao, has remained active through exhibitions. If he were to consider a rematch, the possibility wouldn’t be entirely far-fetched. But the bigger question looms: would people still be interested in watching Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II?
The first fight has already played out. So why would fans pay again to watch two aging legends, both semi-retired?
There are a lot of questions, and for now, very few answers. But clarity may emerge in the coming days. Until then, fans will have to stay tuned.
After tonight’s fight, do you think Manny Pacquiao should continue?
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