Manny Pacquiao‘s sensational return to boxing has now been confirmed.
The 46-year-old Filipino great will challenge reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday July 19.
Pacquiao has not fought as a professional since June 2021 when he was defeated by former WBA welterweight Yordenis Ugas, in what was an underwhelming performance from the eight division world champion who looked to be a shadow of his former self on fight night.
Legendary trainer and analyst Teddy Atlas, who remains one of the most prominent figures within the sport, has now spoken out and given an honest assessment of Pacquiao’s comeback, which has divided the boxing community in recent weeks.
Speaking on his own YouTube channel THE FIGHT, Atlas revealed that he is concerned about Pacquiao’s return to boxing, which he feels is a monumental risk after already giving so much to the sport since his debut back in 1995.
“I am concerned, I don’t want to stop anyone from making a living, from making money, but I’m very concerned with a guy. A great man who’s helped his people, who’s fought for his people, who’s lifted his people up, who’s given away money to his people, probably too much, but he gave away money to his people.
“Now that he has to fight at 46 after 72 fights, I’m concerned that he’s got to fight a young guy that has been active and I’m concerned, I’m concerned about that, that’s it for me.”
Although ‘Pac-Man’ appears to be training hard and in good shape, his decision to lace the gloves up once again and go into a showdown with an active and dangerous opponent could be a step too far for the legendary champion.
