Pacquiao Acknowledges Concerns Ahead of Boxing Return

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has expressed apprehension regarding his legacy as he gears up for a comeback to professional boxing after a four-year absence.

The 45-year-old boxing legend told international media on Monday about his intentions for a sustained return, commencing with a significant contest against American Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title this Saturday in Las Vegas.

Barrios, who is 16 years younger than Pacquiao, holds a professional record of 29 victories, one draw, and two defeats in 32 bouts. This fight signifies Pacquiao’s first professional appearance since August 2021, after which he declared his retirement.

“I’m very excited for this fight because I want to demonstrate to the fans that Manny Pacquiao is still a force,” Pacquiao stated. “And it feels great to be back.”

However, he voiced worries about maintaining his previous level of performance.

“My reputation is a concern,” he conceded. “But I am committed to ensuring that I am not the kind of fighter who returns without displaying the skills I once had. I want to prove that I still possess what it takes.”

Since his departure from the ring, Pacquiao has been actively engaged in politics in his native Philippines. He now also aspires to set new records by becoming the oldest welterweight world champion in boxing history.

Pacquiao’s last world title was the WBA Super welterweight title, secured in 2019 when he was 40 years old.

He is broadly recognized as one of the sport’s all-time greats and remains the only boxer to have captured world titles across eight different weight classes.