It is amazing to see how a man in his mid-forties is so passionate about what he calls his career as a boxer. This man is Manny Pacquiao, and he is not stopping. After his comeback, when he was away for almost four years, it was as if he was feeding on something that suddenly gave him the strength to challenge anyone he felt like fighting. His loss in 2021 against Yordenis Ugas might have hit him hard. During his time off, when we thought he had retired, he was planning a whole fight segment to show the world that even past his prime and during his retirement years, he could still make it happen.
He wants to be in that boxing ring
Retirement is a chapter closed for many sports players, and usually, there is an age for it. While some pursue other professional careers in business or in the corporate world, some come back and coach upcoming players. However, it does not look like this concept or equation applies to Manny Pacquiao. When we thought he had other plans, he had other plans, and that was to get back into the ring.
To a certain extent, this is not surprising. He took part in a boxing exhibition in July 2024 against Rukiya Anpo at Super RIZIN; therefore, the attachment was something that was quite evident; hence, there were rumours about his comeback. While we are aware now why he came back, the question remains: why now? Why not a year after his fight with Yordenis Ugas?
Manny Pacquiao: He can’t take his eyes off Gervonta Davis
The first fight has not begun yet, and he is already thinking about his next opponent. We are not even sure if he will win because Barrios is 29 years of age, in his prime, with so much strength and endurance; chances are very low for Manny Pacquiao to win this battle. ‘Pac-Man’ and reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios will challenge each other on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
While that is already set and confirmed, Manny seems to be planning and has claimed that he wants to fight and face Gervonta Davis. Has he won this fight with Barrios? No. Is there a chance that he will win? We do not know, although there are some doubts about it. His level of confidence is good and unrealistic too because him targeting men in their prime could just embarrass him and knock him down. He expressed that,
“I can fight anybody, even like Gervonta Davis … I’m not scared of anybody.”
Why is Manny Pacquiao back?
I think he wants to prove a point. That could be, but just because he is “old” does not mean he cannot fight or win or acquire a championship. Additionally, Pac-Man returns to boxing seeking the WBC Welterweight Championship. Because he is one of the greatest boxers, his pride has led him to think he can have it all. He wants to become the oldest welterweight champion of all time.
Manny Pacquiao wants to make history. He wants to leave a legacy; it is something he is hungry for. However, it is concerning because could this be one of those unexpected wins and celebrations in the boxing world, or will it be a farewell tour, or even worse, a smack in the face? What we are sure about right now is that we cannot stop him. He has a fire burning so much that he is not looking at the age of his opponents; rather, he is looking at the skill he has acquired and plans to utilise it in a way that modern boxers might have to stop and rethink their place in the sport.
