Thirty years after stepping into the ring as a lanky 16-year-old, Manny Pacquiao is gearing up for yet another fight, taking on Father Time in what may be one of the final chapters of his legendary career.
The 46-year-old Filipino boxing icon returns on Saturday night to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This fight marks a milestone in Pacquiao’s storied 30-year journey as a professional boxer.
Pacquiao shocked the boxing world in May when he announced his comeback after a four-year break, invoking a WBC rule that grants former champions an immediate title shot upon returning.
Reports suggest Pacquiao will earn between $5 to $10 million for the bout, and he says the comeback is fueled by his love for boxing and the adrenaline of fighting on a big stage in Las Vegas.
“I’m returning because I miss my boxing,” Pacquiao said during his recent media tour. “I missed the interviews, the press conferences, the training camps — everything. But these four years off have been good for my body. Now I’m back.”
However, doubts loom large. Pacquiao’s last professional win was in 2019, and Barrios, 30, is 16 years younger and currently in his prime. Even Pacquiao’s longtime trainer, Freddie Roach, admitted he initially worried about the comeback.
“I really don’t want to see him come back because he’s done so much already,” Roach said back in May before the fight was finalized.
Oddsmakers have also placed their bets on Barrios, making him the clear favorite to hand Pacquiao his ninth loss in his 73rd career fight.
Pacquiao, unfazed, embraces the underdog role. “I’ve been the underdog many times. I’m always bringing surprises,” he said confidently.
Supporters point to Pacquiao’s chiseled physique and flashes of his signature speed as reasons to believe he can still pull off a memorable Vegas victory.
But boxing history warns us of veterans who looked sharp in training only to be overwhelmed by younger, hungrier fighters once the bell rang. Many recall how Pacquiao demolished an aging Oscar De La Hoya in 2008 — a fight De La Hoya later described as one he “wanted to die” in.
Pacquiao insists the concerns are exaggerated and says his family fully supports his return, impressed by his physical condition and classic fighting style.
“I’m thankful for their concern, but my family saw how I move and train. They support me because they can see the old Pacquiao style,” he told AFP.
A win on Saturday would make Pacquiao the first active fighter to claim a major world title after being inducted into boxing’s Hall of Fame.
Standing in his way is Barrios, who respects Pacquiao but isn’t letting the legend distract him.
“He’s hard to dislike, but this is kill or be killed,” Barrios said. “Hats off to Pacquiao for daring to be great, but it’s my time now. I’m going in with bad intentions and power in both hands. I won’t hesitate to pull the trigger.”
Saturday’s bout promises to be a thrilling showdown — a battle between a beloved legend defying age and a hungry champion ready to make his mark.
