For a moment, keep aside the eight-division titles, legacy, retirement, and comeback. If there’s one thing most acknowledge about Manny Pacquiao, then it’s his humility. Growing up, the PacMan saw his family struggle for bread. So he took up fighting to support. Only, he turned up so good that he’s now ranked among the all-time greats. But despite reaching the heights, Pacquiao has always remained a grounded person. One only needs to take a look at his heartfelt message that follows the title fight against Mario Barrios.
Last weekend, after a four-year hiatus, the sporting icon was back in action. But despite a solid performance, he had to settle for a draw. The outcome that witnessed two identical scores stirred heated debates. Including Manny Pacquiao, many diehards and experts felt he won the fight. The disappointment was quite visible. Still, notwithstanding the controversy and his anguish, Pacquiao believes without Barrios, it wouldn’t have been possible for him to give his best at age 46, when most fighters bow down to Father Time. So while concerns over the PBC-Amazon Prime headliner at MGM Grand continue to rage, boxing’s sole eight-division champion decided to express a few words of gratitude, including a note to his opponent as well.
As he always does, Manny Pacquiao thanked the Almighty and his biggest supporters, his family. “Thank you, Lord, for keeping us safe in the ring. I want to thank my wife, my kids, my family, and everyone who supported me throughout this fight.”
Next, it was Mario Barrios’ turn. Calling out the San Antonio-born world champion, a true warrior, Pacquiao said, “To Mario Barrios, you are a true warrior. It was an honor to share the ring with you.” Once again he thanked God for giving him the strength and ability to compete.
Later, he addressed fans spread across the globe and back home in the Philippines. Manny Pacquiao’s message elicited a stream of reactions. From ‘greatest ever’ to a simple ‘you’re a legend,’ fans were captivated by the living legend’s humility and his effortless ability to mesmerize.
While he may thank Barrios and fans, a parallel narrative has emerged on the sidelines: what’s next for Manny Pacquiao?
The road ahead for Manny Pacquiao
As he came out of the arena, Pacquiao seemed positive about extending his boxing career. But the larger question remains: who will he fight next? One of the likeliest possibilities remains a rematch with Mario Barrios. He said, “Of course I’d like a rematch. I want to leave a legacy and make the Filipino people proud.”
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
He seems to have found some answers to his fight ending in a draw. Reportedly he had a short training camp to prepare for the July 19 bout. Within the ring, despite showcasing his razor-sharp reflexes and legendary combinations, Pacquiao’s mid-fight slowing down became his undoing. It gave Barrios enough space to charge back and swing scores.
If not the rematch, then another fight appears feasible. A matchup against WBA (regular) champion Rolando Romero. With a decisive win over Ryan Garcia, the former light welterweight titleholder ushered in a fresh breath of air into his career. Now on the hunt for his next opponent, Romero recently expressed interest in exchanging jabs with the boxing great.
Nonetheless, Manny Pacquiao cannot ignore that he’s 46. He cannot take risks like he used to back in his prime. So he and the team will have a huddle and make a conscious decision about the best course of action, rather than rushing into one that could turn out to be disastrous.
What would you advise Manny Pacquiao to do next? Retire or Continue?
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