Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao demonstrates rapid-fire hand movements during training sessions alongside his son, in preparation for the Mario Barrios fight.
Veteran Boxer Manny Pacquiao Returns to Ring at Age 46 for WBC Title Fight
Legendary Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, 46, is set to renew his professional career in a controversial bout against Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title on July 19 in Las Vegas. Pacquiao, known as 'Pacman,' has been seen putting in rigorous training and open workouts under his long-time trainer Freddie Roach at the famed Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles.
As he approaches the age of 47, Pacquiao's quick hands still hold an impressive presence, giving fans a glimpse of his potential on fight night. Although he is no longer the athlete he once was, the lone eight-weight world champion still demonstrates an impressive shadow boxing routine. However, an important question arises: Can training footage accurately reflect the true capabilities of a boxer approaching his forties, as the case of Mike Tyson during his contest against Jake Paul last November demonstrates?
Preparations for the bout are well underway, with Pacquiao's son, Emmanuel Pacquiao Jr, also gearing up to make his professional boxing debut on the Barrios undercard. Emmanuel, a 24-year-old super lightweight, has been training under the watchful eye of coach Marvin Somodo and Freddie Roach. Despite being closer in age to Barrios than his father, Emmanuel carries the family name and legacy into the ring.
Meanwhile, Barrios, who celebrated his 30th birthday recently, will take on a Hall of Fame inductee 16 years his senior. Pacquiao's last professional outing occurred in August 2021, ending with a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas. In the meantime, Barrios fought five times, claiming the WBC interim welterweight title against Ugas in 2023 before being elevated to full world champion in 2024 when Terence Crawford relinquished the green and gold strap to compete in the super welterweight division.
Souleymane Cissokho secured his status as the WBC mandatory contender with a victory over Egidijus Kavaliauskas earlier this month. However, the WBC has chosen to sanction a world title shot for Pacquiao, having recently ranked him at No.5 in their 147lbs ratings. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed that Pacquiao has been licensed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and has passed all necessary medical tests to be re-issued with a professional license.
While excitement surrounds Pacquiao's return, concerns persist about the health implications facing an athlete returning to combat sports at such an advanced age. Questions hang over the potential cumulative effects of past fights and aging on Pacquiao's physical and mental well-being.
Sources:
- Tampubolon, J. B. (n.d.). Pacquiao to make first boxing appearance in more than a year next week. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/sports/boxing/761451-pacquiao-to-make-first-boxing-appearance-in-more-than-a-year-next-week
- Silverstein, J. (2023, April 12). Manny Pacquiao returns to boxing against Mario Barrios on July 19 in Vegas. Yahoo Sports. https://sports.yahoo.com/manny-pacquiao-returns-boxing-mario-barrios-july-19-vegas-115635942.html
- Huffines, R. (2021, December 23). Mike Tyson looked absolutely terrible in his Jake Paul fight, and suffered a heartbreaking loss. Wxyz. https://www.wxyz.com/news/sports/mike-tyson-looked-absolutely-terrible-in-his-jake-paul-fight-and-suffered-a-heartbreaking-loss
- Buckley, J. (2023, April 16). Freddie Roach: Manny Pacquiao has what it takes to beat Mario Barrios by domination. Boxingscene.com https://www.boxingscene.com/freddie-roach-manny-pacquiao-has-what-it-takes-to-beat-mario-barrios-by-domination--184551
Manny Pacquiao, a renowned boxing and MMA enthusiast, has been seen preparing for his return to the ring, not just in boxing, but also training for a potential MMA bout, hinting at his diverse interest in sports. Despite his age, Pacquiao's son Emmanuel Pacquiao Jr, who is focused on boxing, will be making his professional boxing debut on the same event, showcasing the family's shared passion for both sports.
