Manny Pacquiao is adamant that his passion for boxing remains strong as he gets ready for a surprising return to the ring at 46 years old.
This isn`t just a single farewell fight for Pacquiao; the ex-eight-division world champion plans to continue competing without a set end date.
His return is scheduled for July 19th. After a four-year break, Pacquiao aims to surpass his own achievement by becoming the oldest welterweight champion ever. The former Philippine senator and presidential hopeful will face WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios in Las Vegas.
Over the past decade, as his boxing career flourished, Pacquiao also pursued politics. He served as a senator from 2016 to 2022 and ran for president in the Philippines, finishing in third place.
He attempted to re-enter the Senate in this year`s midterm elections but placed 18th. Following this recent political setback, Pacquiao swiftly declared his intention to box again. Now training with Freddie Roach in Los Angeles, he expressed regret over ever leaving the sport.
“For now, my political chapter is closed,” Pacquiao stated. “It`s completely out of my thoughts. My full attention is back on my boxing career.”
He added, “I`m still capable in boxing. I haven`t finished yet. The drive, the resolve, the enthusiasm for training intensely – it hasn`t gone anywhere. It`s incredible.”
Pacquiao`s last fight was a decision loss to Yordenis Ugás in August 2021. However, he claims he profoundly missed boxing from the moment he initially retired.
“When I announced my retirement four years ago, I felt such sadness,” Pacquiao recalled. “Tears were unavoidable. I truly missed boxing. For months afterward, I kept thinking, `Am I really not a boxer anymore?`”
Murray Blackwood