Manny Pacquiao is just two months away from making a huge return to boxing.
The 46-year-old from the Philippines, who has won world titles in eight-divisions during his career, will face reigning WBC world welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Saturday July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
‘PacMan’ has not fought as a professional since he was beaten by former WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas back in 2021, but the Filipino great has had two exhibition contests since then, facing DK Yoo and Rukiya Anpo in 2022 and 2024 respectively.
Retired Mexican great Juan Manual Marquez, who shared the ring with Pacquiao on no less than four occasions during his career, drawing one, losing twice and winning the last encounter, has weighed in on his former rivals shock comeback.
In an interview with Pro Box TV, Marquez gave an honest assessment of Pacquiao’s chances of defying the odds against Barrios, as he questions whether the 46-year-old will have what it takes to defeat the younger and fresher man.
“If Pacquiao feels good, no shoulder, knee, or foot injuries, and he’s perfectly fine — let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. Let’s see what kind of fight he has to put up against Mario Barrios.
Will he be aggressive? Will he rely on his power? Because power is the last thing a fighter loses. Let’s give the benefit of the doubt to a historic fighter.
What matters is the integrity of the fighter. Pacquiao still hits hard. Let’s see how Barrios handles that.”
The return of ‘PacMan’ has received mixed reviews from the boxing world, with many left questioning if the legendary champion is taking too much of a risk against Barrios and whether his decision to make a return to the sport is purely for financial gain.
