Manny Pacquiao is set to make a return to boxing in just two months.
The 46-year-old from the Philippines will challenge WBC world welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Saturday July 19 at an unconfirmed venue in Las Vegas. The fight – not officially announced – has drawn extreme criticism.
Pacquiao has not fought as a professional since he was outpointed by former WBA world welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas back in 2021.
Despite retiring from the professional side of the sport, ‘PacMan’ has had two exhibition contests since he was beaten by Ugas, facing Rukiya Anpo and DK Yoo in 2022 and 2024 respectively.
Legendary trainer and analyst Teddy Atlas is the latest prominent boxing figure to give his verdict on Pacquiao’s controversial return to the sport.
Speaking to Slingo, Atlas gave an honest assessment of the 46-year-old’s upcoming showdown with Barrios, as he questions whether ‘PacMan’ is doing it for legacy, or for financial gain.
“I hope Manny Pacquiao is not fighting for money because the great Manny Pacquiao with all the greatness in his life and everything he’s accomplished and done in the ring outside the ring, for his people, for the Filipino people, for the world, for the audience, the boxing fans.
“For all that he’s done – it would be unfair to have him now, at this point in his life, to be having to fight for money.
“I have no problem with him jumping the line out of the respect for what he’s done, the problem is where he is in his life physically and what that really means, and what it can mean, and the damage he can do to a sport he obviously loves if God forbid something could happen to Manny Pacquiao at this point, because of the things that I think we’re honestly talking about.”
Pacquiao re-entered the WBC’s rankings earlier this month, sparking controversy from the boxing community who feel the Filipino icon is undeserving of this recognition due to his extreme inactivity.
