Manny Pacquiao is less than one month away from making his sensational return to boxing.
The 46-year-old from the Philippines will challenge reigning WBC world welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Saturday July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Pacquiao has not fought as a professional since he was beaten by former WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas in the summer of 2021, going on to announce his retirement shortly after to pursue his career as a politician.
His former promoter Bob Arum has spoken out ahead of the return to the ring, which has divided the majority of the boxing community since it was made official last month.
Speaking to FightHype, Arum shared some thoughts on Pacquiao ahead of the 46-year-old’s comeback, as he wishes the Filipino icon the ‘greatest of luck’.
“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.”
In a separate interview at the International Boxing Hall of Fame ceremony Arum seemed more convinced that Pacquiao could pull off the upset.
“Manny, I mean, looks terrific now. I know he’s going to continue his boxing career or start it up. I wish him the greatest luck, but let me tell you something. There was nobody, nobody, in boxing as courageous and as dedicated as Manny Pacquiao, and whatever accolades he gets, he deserves.”
‘PacMan’ will write his name into boxing history once again should he be victorious against Barrios next month, as he will become the oldest world welterweight champion in the history of boxing, breaking the record that he actually set back himself in 2019 when he dethroned Keith Thurman of the WBA welterweight title aged 40-years-old.
