They say that time waits for no man, but boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will try to disprove that theory in Las Vegas on Saturday July 19.
The Filipino megastar has done all there is to do in the fight game, he remains the sport’s only eight-division world champion. An astonishing career appeared to be over four years ago, but now ‘Pacman’ is back.
Manny (62-8-2) officially announced he is coming back at a Los Angeles press conference on Tuesday, with his WBC world welterweight title challenge against reigning champion Mario Barrios (29-2-1).
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The size differential between the two men was clear when they faced off at the presser, but Pacquiao has a mountain to climb in just about every way on the big Amazon Prime Video PPV show next month.
Four years ago Manny lost his last bout to Yordenis Ugas via unanimous decision and in doing so he appeared to be a shadow of the man who blasted out the likes of Erik Morales, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito. Among many others.
In his pomp Pacquiao was an incredible force, defying physical logic to storm up through the divisions to win titles in eight of them. But realistically how much is left now, and just why is he fighting again?
The fighter turned politician turned fighter spoke on both topics on Tuesday, and gave the context behind his shock return to action.
Why is Pacquiao fighting again?
He explained: “The fire, determination and eagerness to work hard is still there. I’m still enjoying running the mountains. Not every fighter has this feeling. This is a blessing, because I’ve been through so many big fights in my career and I’m still here. I’m back.
“To the boxing fans all over the world, thank you for accepting me again. I hope that on July 19 this fight will entertain everyone. Everyone here is going to work hard in their training camp so that the fans are happy on July 19.”
Before pretty much every fight in his career, Pacquiao has spoken of his desire to entertain – and to fight men who have the same goal. He feels Barrios is the perfect fit.
“Barrios is the kind of fighter who gives people good fights. Me and him together in the ring will satisfy the fans and that’s what I want.
“It would mean a lot for me to become world champion again. Manny Pacquiao is always giving surprises to the fans. That’s my passion and it’s really important to me. I want everyone to be happy with this fight.
“My goal is to leave a legacy to the boxing fans. I want to inspire the young generation who are dreaming of becoming a champion.
“July 19 is gonna be a lot of action. There’s a lot of great fights on this card. I know what Barrios is capable of and I know that we can entertain the fans.”
Four-year gap a positive says Manny
A four-year absence in your 40s would be catastrophic for pretty much any fighter in the sport, but it’s another popular belief that Pacquiao is hoping to disprove at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 19. He actually believes it’s a positive.
“I’ve been able to rest my body and it’s been good for me. Now I’m back and I’m excited to give the fans a great fight. I know that Barrios is training hard to defend his belt. I’m the challenger, so I know I have to go the extra mile and punish myself in training to win the fight. That’s the goal.
“I’ve been boxing for many years, and even the years I wasn’t boxing, I was still thinking about boxing. I even have a boxing gym in my house and was always working out. I really missed boxing.”
