IT’S NOT about the money, the fame, or the record. Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao revealed a different reason behind his surprising July 19 comeback against Mario Barrios. Simply put, he misses the action.
The charismatic Filipino boxing icon shocked the sports world last month by announcing his bout with WBC champion Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas-marking his return after a four-year hiatus.
With the last fight ending in a frustrating loss, and with a lengthy gap since retirement, questions surrounding his comeback at age 46 remain strong.
Yet as he trains for next month’s world welterweight title clash with Barrios, the People’s Champ appears unfazed by the doubts circulating throughout the global boxing community.
Hard to Let Go
Pacquiao’s boxing journey has been remarkable. He discovered the sport at 12, started training in a park in General Santos, and eventually claimed his first professional title at 19.
He went on to capture 12 world titles in eight weight divisions in a pro career that started in 1995. With such a strong connection to the sport, he explained that the thrill of championship boxing is what drew him back.
“I’m returning because I miss boxing,” Pacquiao said at a press conference in Los Angeles. “Especially these situations — being interviewed, press conference, training camp, everything like that.”
“I missed that. But it has been good for me — I’ve rested my body for four years. And now I come back,” the boxing legend went on to explain.
Turning his back on his first love, boxing, seemed like the right decision after his last professional bout. Still, it hurts to exit the competitive stage with a loss and a sense of unfinished business.
“I always thought, even when I hung up my gloves, ‘I can still fight, I can still feel my body, I can still work hard,” Pacquiao said.
“That moment when I announced hanging up my gloves four years ago — I was so sad. I was crying, I cannot stop the tears coming out my eyes,” he added.
Still Me
Although much attention is given to Pacquiao’s age, the fighter himself remains unchanged, and all signs point to one thing: he’s prepared to step back into the ring.
“I’m thankful to them for their concern,” Pacquiao said. “But the people who really concern me, is my family. My family saw how I move, saw how I train, saw my body condition. They support me because they can see the old Pacquiao style.”
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman also confirmed that Pacquiao has been cleared by the Nevada Athletic Commission to fight again after passing medical examinations, labeling the boxing icon’s comeback as “low risk.”
Looking at it closely, Pacquiao’s return seems fueled purely by his passion for the sport. While Pacquiao brings heart and respect to the ring, Barrios will undoubtedly be focused on one goal: defeating the legend.
