Legendary Boxer Manny Pacquiao Makes a Comeback at 46
On July 19, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will step back into the ring for the first time in nearly four years, facing off against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in a highly anticipated bout. The official announcement was made this past Saturday in Las Vegas, igniting excitement among fans worldwide.
Pacquiao’s Historic Career and Recent Achievements
At 46 years old, Pacquiao remains one of the most accomplished fighters in boxing history, holding the record as the only boxer to win world titles across eight weight divisions. His last fight took place in August 2021, where he was defeated by unanimous decision against Yordenis Ugas at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Over his extensive career, which began in January 1995, Pacquiao amassed an impressive record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, with 39 victories by knockout.
In addition to his boxing accolades, Pacquiao is set to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) on June 8, 2023. Notably, only a handful of fighters have fought after their induction, with Holly Holm, inducted in 2022, being the first woman to do so when she faced Yolanda Vega in late June. If Pacquiao secures a victory over Barrios, he will become the first Hall of Famer to win a world title after induction, cementing his legacy even further.
The Motivation Behind Pacquiao’s Return
Pacquiao explained his decision to return to the ring during a press conference in Las Vegas, emphasizing his enduring passion for boxing. “I come back because I love the sport,” he stated. “Even after four years away, I constantly think about boxing and truly miss it.”
His social media announcement echoed this sentiment, with Pacquiao declaring, “I’m back,” and urging fans to “Make history!” His goal is to become the oldest boxer to claim the welterweight crown, surpassing his own record set in 2019 when he defeated Keith Thurman at age 40.
How Is Pacquiao Eligible for a Title Shot After Retirement?
Despite a six-year hiatus from professional competition, Pacquiao’s status as a former champion grants him eligibility for a title shot under WBC regulations. The organization’s rules permit retired champions to challenge for titles upon their return, provided they are ranked within the top contenders. Currently, Pacquiao holds the No. 5 spot in the WBC welterweight rankings, positioned behind fighters like Devin Haney and Conor Benn.
Assessing Pacquiao’s Performance in Recent Fights
In his most recent bout against Yordenis Ugas, Pacquiao appeared noticeably slower and less dynamic than during his prime. His footwork and explosive power, hallmarks of his legendary status, were diminished, and his actions became more predictable. Ugas, a technically proficient Cuban boxer, effectively neutralized Pacquiao’s offense with precise jabs and well-timed counters, ultimately winning the fight convincingly.
According to CompuBox statistics, Pacquiao landed only 19% of his punches, connecting 130 of 815 attempts-a stark contrast to his peak years. Over his last six fights, his punch volume decreased significantly, raising questions about his readiness to face a physically imposing opponent like Barrios after four years away from the ring.
Introducing Mario Barrios: The Challenger
Mario Barrios, a tall and powerful 30-year-old from San Antonio, Texas, currently holds the WBC welterweight title. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, Barrios’s height and reach advantage make him a formidable opponent in the 147-pound division. Known for his aggressive style and high punch output, he often fights on the inside, despite his height, which has contributed to his success.
Since turning professional in 2013, Barrios compiled an undefeated record of 26-0 before suffering a defeat to Gervonta Davis in 2021. He later lost to Keith Thurman in 2022 but has since rebounded with four consecutive wins, including a unanimous decision victory over Yordenis Ugas-Pacquiao’s last opponent-in 2023, capturing the interim WBC title.
Impact of Pacquiao’s Return on His Hall of Fame Status
Pacquiao’s comeback does not influence his Hall of Fame induction, which was announced in December 2022, prior to his decision to return. His induction alongside other boxing legends like Vinny Paz and Michael Nunn underscores his enduring legacy. However, winning a title post-induction would be a historic achievement, further elevating his status in the sport.
Early Predictions and Expectations
Bookmakers currently favor Barrios, with odds of -400, indicating a strong likelihood of victory, while Pacquiao is considered a +300 underdog. Given Pacquiao’s age and recent performance, many analysts believe he will need to summon the speed and explosiveness of his prime to overcome Barrios’s physical advantages. Barrios’s size and reach are expected to allow him to control the fight from the outside, using his jab and volume punching to outwork Pacquiao over the course of the bout.
