Bob Arum has sent a stern word of warning to the returning Manny Pacquiao.
The 46-year-old from the Philippines will face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at an unconfirmed location in the United States on Saturday July 19, although it is expected that the fight will take place in Las Vegas.
‘Pac-Man’ has not fought since he was comprehensively outpointed and defeated via unanimous decision by former WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas back in 2021.
It was confirmed earlier this month that Pacquiao would bid to become a world champion once again, although this has been met with criticism and worry from a number of the sport’s most prominent figures, including legendary promoter Arum of Top Rank.
Speaking to FightHype, Arum was asked to share his thoughts on the return of ‘PacMan’, who he promoted for a number of years during his glittering career and said he ‘doesn’t know if it’s wise’ to make a comeback at his age.
“Well you know, I wish him all the luck in the world but I don’t know if it’s very wise, particularly for somebody who’s running for Senate in the Philippines, to go back to boxing at his age.”
Although he has not fought in a professional capacity in four years, Pacquiao has had two exhibition bouts since his defeat to Ugas, facing DK Yoo and Rukiya Anpo in 2022 and 2024 respectively.
Victory over Barrios would be monumental for the Filipino great, who has already won world titles in no less than eight weight divisions, as well as the lineal world championship across four weight divisions during what was one of the most exceptional boxing careers in history.
