Living legend Manny Pacquiao still has some fight left in him.
The eight-division champion retired in 2021 after a unanimous decision defeat to Yordenis Ugas, but over the last year “Pacman” has been adamant that a return is near.
Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) will first partake in a practice tune-up on July 28 against former K-1 champion Rukiya Anpo in a three-round 152-pound boxing exhibition in Saitama, Japan. The fight will be featured on a Super RIZIN 3 card.
Once the exhibition is complete, Pacquiao, who will turn 46 years old in December, wants to continue his professional career against recently elevated WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs) has the belt that belonged to former undisputed champion Terence Crawford, who is now campaigning at 154 pounds.
Sean Gibbons, Pacquiao’s advisor and head of his promotional company, told BoxingScene that “Barrios is definitely the target” for the comeback fight.
“It’s a 50-50 fight but a very winnable fight for Manny,” said Gibbons. “Barrios is the perfect fighter. He has the right style because he’s there to be hit and he brings it. He wants to mix it up.
“Over the next month or so, we’ll either be able to make the fight or won’t. … It’s very important to get a fight in by December. This is a very important time right now. We have a very short window. This could be the last year because Manny might run for office next year in the Philippines.
“Manny is like a fine bottle of wine and getting better and better as he ages. He hasn’t lost his speed, power or passion. He loves to fight. If I didn’t think he could fight at the highest level, I would advise him against it and to do something else.”
Team Barrios is “all in” on a fight it believes is “very realistic” to happen. The WBC has labeled Pacquiao’s comeback as a “sensational” development and would green-light the title fight.
Barrios won the WBC’s 147-pound interim title in September with a dominant decision win against Ugas. Barrios, 29, last fought in May and bested Fabian Maidana. By June, the WBC made Barrios the full titleholder, a move that further got the attention of Pacquiao.
Barrios is riding a three-fight winning streak since losing to Gervonta Davis in 2021 and Keith Thurman in 2022 in back-to-back fights.
Pacquiao hasn’t scored a win since beating Thurman in 2019.
Gibbons said Pacquiao’s long-discussed fight against UFC icon Conor McGregor is also a matchup they would love to move forward with in case negotiations with Barrios fall apart.
“McGregor is the most fun fight left for Manny and a dream match for the fans,” said Gibbons.
News
May Violation Ulit! It’S Showtime, Bibigyan Ulit Ng Parusa Nang MTRCB Dahil Naman Kay Vice Ganda
Kapamilya noontime show na It’s Showtime, maaring mapatawan na naman ng panibagong parusa ng MTRCB nang dahil muli sa Unkabogable Star na si Vice Ganda. Muling tinawag ng ilang mga netizens ang pansin ng MTRCB, dahil sa naging pahayag…
BREAKING NEWS: Binggo Na! Its Showtime Nanganganib Na Muling Masuspinde?!
Sa pinakabagong episode ng It’s Showtime, muling nakakuha ng pansin ang Unkabogable Star na si Vice Ganda dahil sa kanyang mga kontrobersyal na biro. Ang mga birada ni Vice Ganda ay naglalaman ng mga pahayag na tila may target…
Vice Ganda, sinagot ang netizen na sinabihan siyang wag pisikalin si Anne Curtis
– Vice Ganda recently responded to some netizens on Twitter – One netizen called him out and told him to avoid having “pisikilan” jokes with Anne Curtis – It didn’t take long for Vice to address the said tweet –…
Gerald Anderson’s mother opens up about relationship between Bea Alonzo and her son: ‘I never liked her!’
27 Aug – Gerald Anderson’s mother Evangeline Opsima is definitely unhappy with the controversy surrounding her son’s breakup with Bea Alonzo, as she recently admitted that she has never liked the actress for her son. As reported on Rappler, Opsima, known…
Bea Alonzo reacts after touring Thailand at same time as Gerald Anderson, Julia Barretto
From left: Bea Alonzo, Gerald Anderson and Julia Barretto at the 2019 ABS-CBN Ball Philstar.com / Kat Leandicho, file MANILA, Philippines — Kapuso actress Bea Alonzo is unbothered to cross paths with her ex-boyfriends in the future. In GMA7 reporter…
Xian Gaza, sinagot ang netizen na nagtanong kung bakit sila naghiwalay ng ex
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=478551918363683&set=a.106700708882141&type=3&ref=embed_post- Sa kanyang post kamakailan ay pinakita niya ang aniya’y dinatnan niya nang umuwi siya sa bahay nila – Aniya, bago siya umuwi ay sinabihan niya na ang ex girlfriend niya na lumipat na – Bukod sa pagpuri niya na…
End of content
No more pages to load