As the national and local campaigns for the 2025 Philippine midterm elections enter the homestretch, one senatorial hopeful has made headlines not for his political agenda, but for his plans outside the public office. And yes, we’re talking about none other than the legendary Manny Pacquiao.
In a recent media huddle, Pacquiao revealed that he has renewed his professional boxing license with the Nevada State Athletic Commission, having completed the necessary medical protocols to be cleared for competition. Rumors have long swirled about his desire to return to the ring, and this development all but confirms that the fire still burns within the only eight-division boxing world champion.
The name being floated as his potential opponent is Mario Barrios, the reigning WBC welterweight champion, who sports a 29-2-1 record with 18 knockouts. It’s also worth noting that “El Azteca” is 17 years younger than the Filipino ring icon from General Santos City.
Sources indicate that Pacquiao is eyeing a July return, following the May 12 elections. And honestly, it’s no surprise. Pugilists like Pacquiao are cut from a different cloth — the kind, who never fully walk away from the lure of the squared circle.
But as much as fans may want to see another Pacquiao fight, the question remain — should he make a comeback? If it’s a matter of financial necessity, only he truly knows. But if the goal is to add another chapter to his storied legacy at 46, the risk may far outweigh the reward.
Pacquiao hasn’t looked like his vintage self since his brilliant outing against Keith Thurman in July 2019 when he unified the WBA welterweight titles. Since then, “Father Time” and inactivity have taken their toll. A two-year layoff preceded a tough unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021 — a bout that many thought would be his swan song.
Last year, in an exhibition against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, Pacquiao absorbed a handful of solid shots. The encounter ended in a draw, as expected with no judges and no knockouts, but it served as a reminder that he’s no longer the whirlwind of old.
In his prime — and even well into his late 30s — Pacquiao would’ve given someone like Barrios a run for his money. But the years have passed. Yes, boxing has seen ageless wonders like Bernard Hopkins and the late George Foreman, but recent performances suggest this isn’t the same “Pac-Man” who once ruled the sport with lightning fists and relentless aggression.
It’s easy to understand where he’s coming from. Nothing compares to the roar of the crowd, the surge of adrenaline, and the chance to script a picture-perfect finale. But the truth is, that moment may have already passed. The sport has moved on, and it will continue to thrive — with or without him.
This June, Pacquiao will be officially inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame — a well-deserved honor that cements his place in history. His name will forever be etched in the annals of boxing, his legacy immortalized for generations to come.
Manny Pacquiao has nothing left to prove — not to boxing, not to his fans, and certainly not to himself. He’s already changed “the sweet science” in ways few ever could, leaving it better than he found it.
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