Manny Pacquiao is a matter of weeks away from making a shock return to the sport.
The 46-year-old Filipino puts an end to four years of inactivity when he challenges reigning WBC world welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Saturday July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Pacquiao’s last ring appearance as a professional came in June of 2021, when he was comprehensively beaten over 12-rounds by former WBA world welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas. He would go on to announce his retirement from the sport shortly after, shifting his focus to his political career.
In an interview with ESNEWS, boxing legend Roy Jones Jr gave his verdict on what a victory for Pacquiao would do for the Filipino icon’s legacy, as he backs the 46-year-old to prevail against Barrios.
“It says a lot about him. It says a lot about him and who he is. I think he wins.”
History beckons for ‘PacMan’ as a victory for 46-year-old would see him become the oldest world welterweight champion of all time.
Pacquiao actually broke this record himself back in 2019 when he defeated Keith Thurman to become the WBA welterweight champion at 40-years-old.
As for Barrios, the 30-year-old from San Antonio has held the WBC crown at 147lbs since he was elevated to champion last year when Terence Crawford opted to vacate the title ahead of his showdown with Israil Madrimov.
‘El Azteca’ has made just one successful defence of his title, coming last November when he fought to a split decision draw against Abel Ramos.
