Pacquiao’s Comeback: A New Challenge

Mauricio Sulaiman smiled as he remembered the moment when boxing icon Manny Pacquiao called him to propose a fight against current welterweight title holder Mario Barrios. Without hesitation, the president of the World Boxing Council (WBC) sprang into action to make Pacquiao’s wish a reality.

A Legend Returns to the Ring

“It was a positive conversation; I expressed my desire to challenge the champion once more and assured him I can still compete. He seemed pleased to hear that,” Pacquiao shared with L.A. Times en Español.

Details of the Upcoming Match

Sulaiman successfully arranged for the match to take place on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, fulfilling “PacMan’s” dream of retiring with WBC, where it all began for him.

Pacquiao’s Remarkable Journey

From a childhood of poverty in the Philippines, Pacquiao has become the only boxer to win world titles across eight different weight classes, defeating notable fighters like Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton. His dynamic fighting style and charismatic presence have made him a beloved figure globally, especially in Asia and Latin America.

Resilience Amidst Doubts

This comeback has generated mixed reactions from the boxing community. While many welcome him back, questions linger about whether the 46-year-old can still compete effectively after a unanimous loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021. Pacquiao attributed his earlier performance to a combination of personal and professional challenges.

Preparing for Battle Against Barrios

Despite facing a much younger opponent, Pacquiao remains confident, stating, “I’m still here, taking it one step at a time. I need to listen to my body and my heart to know when I’m done.” Meanwhile, Barrios, at 6 feet tall, sees his height and youth as advantages but acknowledges Pacquiao’s experience will be crucial.

Barrios Eager for a Historic Showdown

Barrios has been preparing for this moment, stating he was mentally ready for the potential matchup. Known for incorporating Aztec elements into his ring entrance, he plans to dramatically showcase his heritage during this historic event, hoping to imprint his legacy while respecting Pacquiao’s monumental history in boxing.

This article first appeared in Spanish via L.A. Times en Español.