By Geoffrey Latayan
Eight-division world champion Manny ‘PacMan’ Pacquiao has kickstarted his training for his World Boxing Council Welterweight title bout against Mario Barrios at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles, California.
On Monday, Pacquiao, 46, met up with longtime trainer Freddie Roach for his world title fight on July 19 in Las Vegas.
PacMan laces up his boots
They performed their usual training regimen in preparation for the showdown, two months before the Filipino boxing legend’s return to the ring.
Pacquiao jogged laps at the Los Angeles park and shadowboxed.
Looking to re-establish his routine from previous training camps, his preparation will certainly increase in difficulty in the build up to the fight.
Roach was interviewed by The Ring magazine and expressed optimism about one of his favorite pupils’ capability to fight amid an almost four-year break from the sport due to his political career.
“It’s a tough road for anyone at this age to do what Manny is trying to do.”
“But if anyone can do it, Manny can,” Roach said.
The legendary boxing figure aims to become second-oldest champ
Pacquiao will have a crack at history when he fights Barrios.
The legendary Bernard Hopkins was 49 years and 94 days old when he claimed the WBA Light Heavyweight strap in April of 2014.
Should Pacquiao triumph over Barrios, he’ll become the second oldest fighter to win a world title at 46 years and 214 days old.
This means he will overtake heavyweight great ‘Big’ George Foreman, who was 45 when he stunned Michael Moorer in November 1994 to claim the WBA and IBF Heavyweight titles.
Pacquiao likely felt the need to end his career on a high note after falling to Cuban boxer and ex-champion Yordenis Ugas in their WBA (Super) Welterweight title clash in August 2021.
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PacMan to challenge the odds
Pacquiao held an excellent fight record of 62-8-2, with 39 knockouts when he last fought Ugas, and has not fought on the professional stage since.
Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) defeated Ugas by unanimous decision to seize the WBC Welterweight crown.
Therefore, he firmly will not want to be a footnote in Pacquiao’s legendary career.
Furthermore, PacMan’s most recent outing was an exhibition fight against kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in July 2024, which ended in a no-contest.
With nothing left to prove, his pride must weigh heavy in his eagerness to return to the peak of boxing and in his quest to finally hang up his esteemed gloves for good.
Regardless of the bout’s outcome, the International Boxing Hall of Fame is set to take place a month prior in New York, with Pacquiao slated for induction.
Although unconfirmed, due to his age and political responsibilities, the Barrios fight may indeed be his last.
One of the most illustrious boxing careers spanning four decades is drawing to a close.
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Vivien Bernardino