Eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao looks set to make a sensational return to boxing this summer.
The 46-year-old from the Philippines is set to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC world welterweight title in July, as confirmed by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman earlier this week.
Pacquiao has not fought as a professional since he was defeated by former WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas back in 2021, although he did face Japanese kickboxing star Rukiya Anpo in an exhibition bout last July.
After this shock news broke earlier on in the week, former undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford has had his say on the sensational return to boxing for ‘Pac-Man’.
Speaking in a media scrum, Crawford was asked to share his thoughts on the rumours that the Filipino legend is set to lace the gloves up once again after a 4-year hiatus.
“I don’t know, we shall see, I don’t know.”
‘Bud’ was then asked if he believes Pacquiao is now ‘too old’ to face someone like Barrios.
“I can’t say if he’s too old or not you know, if he gets in there and wins then everybody will be saying differently so I don’t put no limit on an all-time-great like Manny Pacquiao.”
Should the former champion victorious against WBC champion Barrios, it would be one of the most impressive victories in recent years. The last time Pacquiao held a world title was back in 2019, with his last defence coming against Keth Thurman in July 2019.
Barrios made the first defence of his crown in November when he fought to a split decision draw against Abel Ramos at the AT&T Stadium in Texas. The 29-year-old from San Antonio was elevated from WBC ‘Interim’ champion last June after ‘Bud’ Crawford vacated the title ahead of his showdown with Israil Madrimov.
