Manny Pacquiao is set to make his sensational return to the ring this weekend.
The 46-year-old Filipino great will challenge reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios this Saturday July 19 at the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Pacquiao’s last ring appearance as a professional came over four years ago when he was defeated via unanimous decision by former WBA world welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas, before going on to announce his retirement from the sport shortly after.
As the boxing world awaits the return of a modern day legend, the oldest world champion in the sport’s history, Bernard Hopkins, who held 175lb gold at the age of 49, has spoken out ahead of Pacquiao’s comeback and shared his thoughts on what he believes the outcome will be on Saturday night.
In an interview with The Ring Magazine, Hopkins admitted he is ‘rooting for’ the 46-year-old, as he claims ‘Pac-Man’ has the required experience to prevail against the younger and more active champion.
“I’m rooting for Manny because I know if anyone can do it, it’s him. I think Barrios is a B-plus [fighter]… yes, [Pacquiao’s] got some mileage on him, yes, he’s politically mentally tied in. But he has the speed, he has the experience to get the upset.”
Victory for Pacquiao would see the eight-division world champion write his name into boxing history once again, as he will become the oldest world welterweight champion ever, an outstanding record that he actually set himself back in 2019 when he defeated former WBA champion Keith Thurman at 40-years-old.
