"Didn't catch the boxing contest"
Straight From the Mouth of Pacquiao:
"Manila to Las Vegas, I'm back in the ring!" exclaimed Manny Pacquiao in a buzzing Los Angeles press conference. The 46-year-old Filipino boxing phenomenon is gearing up for a titanic return to the world title arena, facing off against American Mario Barrios, the WBC welterweight champion, on July 19 in Vegas. It's been four years since the legendary fighter hung up his gloves.
"The thrill of boxing, the interviews, the press conferences, the training camp – I've missed it all," revealed Pacquiao with a spark in his eye at a Los Angeles press conference. "But this break has been a blessing, allowing my body to rest for four years. And now, I'm ready to step into the ring once more."
Pacquiao, a multiple world champion in eight weight divisions, admitted that retirement had left him feeling melancholic. "Even though I told myself I could still fight, I couldn't shake off the sadness when I retired four years ago. I couldn't stop the tears."
Pacquiao, a political aspirant who aimed to run for president, discovered his fighting spirit during his downtime, whether it was playing basketball or working out at home. "I realized I still had the passion, the speed, the power. Boxing is in my blood."
Pacquiao's comeback has raised eyebrows, given the recent return of legendary boxer "Iron" Mike Tyson at 58 against Jake Paul. "I understand the concern, but my family stands by me," Pacquiao reassured AFP. "They see how I train, my condition. They're confident in my abilities."
Pacquiao's reunion with his coach Freddie Roach in the final stages of his training camp has also opened up an immediate title shot opportunity, thanks to WBC rules favoring former champions.
According to WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, Pacquiao's first fight in almost four years has been green-lit, as long as he passes medical exams. "Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring poses no more risk than any other fighter in the ring. He's healthy, disciplined – minimal risk," affirmed Sulaiman.
However, Barrios, the 28-year-old Puerto Rican, is determined to stay focused on his future opponent. "Off the ring, it's hard not to admire him. He's a great man. But in the ring, it's survival of the fittest."
[1] ESPN: 'Manny Pacquiao to face Mario Barrios in July in Las Vegas'[2] CNN Sports: 'Mike Tyson's epic return to boxing after 15 years'[3] Boxing Scene: 'Pacquiao confirms Tyson Fury as next opponent'[4] ESPN: 'Manny Pacquiao to be inducted into Hall of Fame in June'
"Manny Pacquiao has expressed his excitement to get back into the world of sports, revealing his eagerness to participate in a high-stakes boxing match against Mario Barrios in Las Vegas."
"Despite being out of the ring for four years, Pacquiao is confident that his passion for sports, particularly boxing, remains a vital part of him, as he prepares for his comeback fight in July."
