Manny Pacquiao is set to make a sensational return to the ring this summer.
The 46-year-old Filipino great will challenge reigning WBC world welterweight champion Mario Barrios at an unconfirmed venue in Las Vegas on Saturday July 19.
Pacquiao has not fought as a professional ever since he was outpointed by former WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas in 2021, but the 46-year-old has had two exhibition contests since then, facing Rukiya Anpo and DK Yoo respectively.
One man who has shown an interest in Pacquiao’s shock return to the sport is former opponent Oscar De La Hoya, who was beaten by ‘PacMan’ in the final bout of his glittering career seventeen years ago.
Speaking to Seconds Out, De La Hoya shared his verdict on his former rival’s upcoming world title challenge as he wishes him ‘all the best’ ahead of what will undoubtedly be a tough test for the 46-year-old.
“I wish him all the best. Obviously the truth is the truth, he’s obviously not the same Pacquiao that fought me, that fought the greats. I wish him the best, be careful up there, he’s not young like he used to be but I’m sure he still has that power so anything can happen but yeah, just be careful.”
It will be Barrios’ second defence of his WBC world title after he was elevated from ‘Interim’ champion last year, after Terence Crawford vacated the crown to pursue a showdown with Israil Madrimov, who he defeated to claim the WBA light-middleweight title last August.
Barrios fought to a split decision draw against Abel Ramos last November, but kept a hold of his crown despite being dropped in the sixth round of a closely fought contest.
