Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao is just over a month away from his highly anticipated return to the ring, where he’ll face WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios. At 46, Pacquiao is stepping back into professional boxing nearly four years after announcing his retirement. Naturally, questions have surfaced about his physical condition and whether he can still compete at the elite level.
With the WBC officially ranking ‘Pac-Man’ in their top five at welterweight, the stage is set for a title clash. The bout is scheduled for July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime PPV. But if the legendary Filipino icon is concerned, he isn’t showing it—his focus appears to be locked in on just one thing.
Earlier today, the legendary boxer shared a training clip on Instagram, showcasing his lightning-fast combinations on the pads. As he moved around the ring, his punches echoed after hitting the pads with ferocity. Meanwhile, Pacquiao revealed his singular focus in the caption of the post, writing, “One goal. July 19 ”
Pacquiao’s attitude towards the fight is in stark contrast with the woes revealed by the likes of Bob Arum, who promoted Pacquiao’s fights for the majority of his career. Arum told The Ring that he finds it “really questionable” for Pacquiao, at age 46 and after four years of professional inactivity, to face a reigning champion like Barrios, who is 16 years younger.
Even former world champion Amir Khan expressed doubts about Pacquiao’s long layoff and questioned if he still has the “fire in his belly,” suggesting a fight against another retired boxer would be safer. In another interview, Khan told Daily Mail, “He’s always one punch away from getting hurt. He’s only getting older. I’m sure he’s nearly touching 45 or something.”
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing head, joined the conversation with an even harsher take on the fight. He was skeptical about Pacquiao’s chances, telling iFL TV that Pacquiao “will never beat Barrios in a million years” and shouldn’t be fighting for a world title at 46, despite acknowledging his legendary status.
Boxing journalist Dan Rafael criticized the WBC’s decision to rank Pacquiao No. 5 after years of inactivity, calling it wrong and warning that Pacquiao, who “looked horrible” in a 2024 exhibition, risks a beating rather than a celebratory send-off. Regardless, the latest reports suggest, the Barrios fight might not even be his last.
Longtime advisor and right-hand man reveals next opponent for Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao’s longtime advisor and right-hand man, Sean Gibbons, has revealed the Filipino legend’s next target after his July 19 bout against Mario Barrios. The 46-year-old is eyeing a showdown with Gervonta Davis following his return to the ring. According to Gibbons, Pacquiao has long been eager for that fight.
April 22, 2023, Las Vegas, Nevada, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, United States: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA -April 22: Gervonta Davis prepares to fight Ryan Garcia fight in the 12-round main-event Lightweight bout at Premier Boxing Champions – Davis vs Garcia at T-Mobile Arena on April 22, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Las Vegas, Nevada United States – ZUMAp175 20230422_zsa_p175_217 Copyright: xAlejandroxSalazarx
“When he beats Mario Barrios, line them up. His dream fight is Gervonta Davis,” Gibbons told the media. “He tried to get that fight for a couple of years. Gervonta kept talking about how he didn’t want to fight him at 145. Then he goes and gets smoked by Lamont Roach.” Gibbons added that a clash with Davis—one of boxing’s biggest stars—could cap off Pacquiao’s legendary career.
That said, even though many are concerned about Manny Pacquiao in the upcoming fight against Mario Barrios, he remains unfazed. If Gibbons’ claims are true, fans may get to see ‘Pac-Man’ face off against Davis, a dangerous knockout artist. Do you think there’s anything to worry about?
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