MANNY PACQUIAO is set for a dramatic return to boxing at the age of 45.
But many fans were quick to beg him to reconsider.
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The Filipino fighter hung up his gloves in 2021, but now looks ready to return to the ring to face Mario Barrios.
Pacquiao is a multi-weight world champion and an all-around boxing icon, but the star wants to win one more title before calling it a proper day.
According to Manny Pacquiao’s promotions president, Sean Gibbons, the respected southpaw wants to face Barrios for the WBC welterweight title.
Speaking with Celestial sportsGibbons revealed: “Manny is looking for that option to fight Mario Barrios.
“He loves the idea of finishing his career by winning the WBC title. This was his first belt in a long time.
“So for the next two weeks, we’re going to try to fight.”
‘PacMan’ is loved by many boxing fans, but some seem concerned that it may be too late for the retired pro’s return to the ring.
Pacquiao has not fought since his unanimous defeat to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021, announcing his retirement the following month.
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And fans have warned that putting on gloves at age 45 could be a mistake.
On social media, he wrote: “Manny is my favorite of all time. I don’t want to see that.”
While another added: “Manny is too old for this.”
A third posted: “Don’t do this Manny. This rarely ends well.”
And a fourth chimed in: “I’m afraid Manny could get really hurt at this age.”
Pacquiao, who holds a record of 62-8-2, would face a tough challenge in Barrios, who also has a record of 29-2-0.
The 29-year-old Texas-born fighter notably defeated Yordenis Ugas – the man who ended Pacquaio’s career.
There were rumors earlier this year that Pacquaio would return to action to face Britain’s Conor Benn, with the pair even coming face to face at the Joshua vs Ngannou weigh-in.
Pacquiao’s five biggest fights
A look at PacMan’s five most memorable fights throughout his career…
- vs Floyd Mayweather Jr (2015) – LOSS by unanimous decision
- vs Miguel Cotto (2009) – TO WIN by knockout in the 12th round
- Against Ricky Hatton (2009) TO WIN by knockout in the second round
- vs. Keith Thurman (2019) – TO WIN by split decision
- vs Juan Manuel Márquez IV (2012) – TO WIN by knockout in the sixth round
However, that prospect seems to have disappeared and a fight with Barrios seems to be the most likely fight.
Paqcuaio himself discussed the potential fight, saying, “I made history at age 40 by beating Keith Thurman.
“And I feel that at 45 I still have a lot at stake, as I haven’t suffered many punishments in recent years. I want to make history.”
While Barrios welcomed the idea.
He added: “I’m really excited about the possibility of this fight happening.
“Manny Pacquiao is a future Hall of Famer, a legend and someone I looked up to growing up.
“Sharing the ring with him would be an honor and a dream come true.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
