Manny Pacquiao will make an unprecedented return to the ring next month in an attempt to win the WBC Welterweight World Title.
Should the Filipino fighting sensation get the title – currently held by Mario Barrios – he would break his own record as the division’s oldest champion in history.
Though controversy surrounds the matchmaking – particularly how an inactive 46-year-old, legend status aside, has walked into a fight for a belt – some in the sport are backing to Pacquiao to win.
With the record broken, will he fight on or bow out on a high after previously retiring on a loss to Yordenis Ugas? Pacquiao told Sky Sports that he is in fact planning to stick around for more fights.
“This fight is very important to me because it’s history. I believe I’d be the first Hall of Famer to win another world title, and I’d also break my own record as the oldest welterweight world champion.
“When I retired in 2021, it wasn’t a good feeling because I had it in my heart and my mind that I can still fight. I’ve always known that I could still work hard and dedicate myself and focus on training. I’ve rested and now I’m back.
“I think I have two or three more fights left. I feel like I could do this for another couple of years. But I’m just taking it one at a time. I had a lot of distractions and problems before the Yordenis Ugas fight. But right now I’m 100 per cent and there are no distractions. I’m just training and completely focused on the fight.”
First up is Barrios, who fully intends to spoil the party and keep his belt. If that doesn’t happen, Pacquiao may be matched up with highly ranked contender Conor Benn.
