Manny Pacquiao’s Return to the Ring
On a sunny day in July, fans have gathered outside the Nat Thai Food restaurant located in the newly designated Freddie Roach Square in Hollywood. Their excitement isn’t strictly about the food, however, as they eagerly await the arrival of Manny Pacquiao, the only boxer in history to hold championship titles in eight different weight classes. Pacquiao, already a renowned figure in the Philippines and beyond, has a long-standing tradition of grabbing a meal at this spot after training sessions at the famed Wild Card Boxing Gym, which is owned by celebrated trainer Freddie Roach. Although it has been four years since Pacquiao graced Wild Card with his presence, the crowd is hopeful for a glimpse of the boxing icon as he prepares for his upcoming match against WBC welterweight champion, Mario Barrios, slated for Saturday in Las Vegas.
“I’m returning to the ring because boxing is my true passion,” Pacquiao shared with ESPN. “It’s what drives me, and I’m eager to make history anew.”
At 46, his announcement to come back to boxing follows a four-year hiatus post his defeat to Yordenis Ugas in 2021. During this comeback, Pacquiao aims to set a new record as the oldest welterweight champion, a title he previously claimed in 2019 when he defeated Keith Thurman at age 40. His induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 8 adds to the historical context of his return; a victory over Barrios would make him the first to clinch a major world title following induction.
Training at Wild Card Gym
Now, after 24 years, Pacquiao finds himself back at the Wild Card Gym, under Roach’s guidance, eagerly preparing for another title shot at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Behind a gated entrance, tucked away at the back of Freddie Roach Square, Pacquiao is seen shadowboxing, exhibiting the energy that Roach first witnessed when he met a young, ambitious Pacquiao two decades ago.
“In May 2001, we visited San Francisco, but we ultimately made our way to LA looking for boxing gyms. That’s how we ended up at Wild Card,” he said.
Roach immediately recognized Pacquiao’s potential, stating,
“After just one round with Manny, I told my team I had a new fighter!”
This serendipitous meeting led to Pacquiao making a splash in the boxing world shortly after, stepping in on short notice to challenge Lehlo Ledwaba for the IBF junior featherweight title. Pacquiao’s victory that night marked the turning point in his life and a new era for both him and Roach.
Challenges and Optimism
As his career progressed, Pacquiao became synonymous with unforgettable moments and impressive victories throughout the boxing community. Regrettably, the passage of time poses a risk; many are unsure if the veteran can reclaim his former glory against Barrios, who is notably younger and competing at a different pace. Former opponent Chris Algieri expressed concern that Pacquiao should have opted for an interim fight prior to such a high-stakes matchup.
“That time off has certainly impacted him,” Algieri remarked, having observed a noticeable decline in speed and explosive force since their last encounter.
Reflecting on his previous match against Ugas, Pacquiao admitted to concerns over his focus during training, confiding,
“I was dealing with distractions, and I couldn’t perform as I usually do.”
Despite these challenges, Pacquiao remains optimistic about his upcoming bout, driven by both a desire to prove himself and to entertain his fans. He acknowledges that to make his comeback a reality, he had to gain the approval of his wife, Jinkee, who had previously urged him to retire after a brutal knockout by Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012.
“She could see my passion was still burning,” he disclosed, adding that she ultimately supported his decision to face Barrios after he expressed confidence in his ability.
Preparing for the Fight
For this historic fight, Pacquiao has studied Barrios closely, analyzing his previous performances and preparing tactically for a matchup against a still developing fighter. Barrios himself feels both honored and apprehensive about stepping into the ring with a legend like Pacquiao. He acknowledged Pacquiao’s reputation but reminded that he has his title at stake.
As Pacquiao gears up for this pivotal encounter, he can’t help but reflect on his career filled with moments of surprise and triumph. Having transformed from a young fighter into a seasoned champion, Pacquiao stands at the crossroads of another possible career milestone. Whether this fight will initiate a new chapter or signal the end of an era remains to be seen. With hopes high and the belief that age is just a number, Pacquiao expressed,
“I love making history. After 24 years, it’s truly a blessing to fight again for a world title.”
