Kerr Ferguson26th July 2024

Manny Pacquiao is currently in discussions to return to the ring after three years out. Should he win the fight, he will break a record he set himself.

Not content with being the only eight-division champion or the only fighter to hold titles in four different decades, the 45-year-old has been in negotiations with new WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios to challenge for the belt.

Pacquiao defeated Keith Thurman for the WBA belt in the same division back in 2019 to become the oldest champion in history at 147.

Team Barrios are in and talks continue to progress but, according to the Filipino sensation’s advisor Sean Gibbons, things must fall into place quickly.

Speaking to Boxing Scene, Gibbons said that another run for office in his home country next year means December is the deadline for Pacquiao’s return.

“It’s a 50-50 fight but a very winnable fight for Manny. 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.”

Gibbons doesn’t subscribe to the opinions that his man should leave his gloves hanging up, saying he is ‘getting better and better.’

“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.”

The WBC has said a fight for the title could be approved pending medical checks on Pacquiao.