By Mon Datol
Boxing Hall-of-Fame-bound Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao has never shied away from an uphill battle even after suffering stinging defeats in the political arena as the eight-division world champion is returning to the very stage that made him a global icon – the boxing ring – intent on proving that age is merely a number and records exist to be broken.
Thus, on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the 46-year-old Filipino legend dubbed ‘Pabansang Kamao’ in the Philippines, will challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios, a dangerous foe 16 years his junior, in a fight the Filpino icon is tagged as a 2-1 underdog amongst boxing kowtows in America.
Should Pacquiao, however, prevail, he would extend his own record by claiming yet another major title – an achievement even his fiercest critics admit might stand forever.
The taller and bigger Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs) is hardly a tuneup. The 30-year-old Texan captured the vacant WBC belt after Terence Crawford moved up in weight, outboxing Yordenis Ugas, the fighter who snatched Pacquiao’s WBC weletrweight belt in 2021, in a career-best performance. He is rangy, fresh and supremely confident – everything a 46-year-old coming off a long layoff does not want across the ring.
Even veteran promoter Bob Arum, who guided Pacquiao through his meteoric rise, minced no words: “It seems really questionable that, at his age, Manny would put himself at risk against a champion fighter. George Foreman wasn’t even that old when he beat Michael Moorer – and George had stayed active.”
Indeed, Foreman reclaimed the heavyweight crown at 45, while Bernard Hopkins pushed the benchmark to 46 in 2011. Pacquiao is attempting to eclipse them both – after nearly four years of competitive inactivity.
“I’m back. Let’s make history,” Pacquiao declared on social media, brushing aside talk of rust and risk.
Pacquiao’s career ledger (62-8-2, 39 KOs) suggests he still owns one of boxing’s deadliest left hands. Whether speed and timing remain sharp enough to land it against a prime welterweight is the billion-peso question.
For his part, Barrios has kept public comments to a minimum, choosing to post sparring clips and conditioning sessions rather than sound bites. Insiders report he views Pacquiao with respect but no fear, convinced that a victory over a living legend will launch him into crossover stardom.
If Pacquiao wins, he will author one of the greatest late career feats in sport, but, If he loses badly – or worse, suffers serious injury – his legacy might absorb a blemish his 46-year-old body can ill afford.
“Maybe he can do it,” said Boxing Hall-of-Fame Sugar Ray Leonard said. “But every fighter pays a price for believing time can be beaten.”
On July 19, the boxing world will discover whether Pacquiao can once again bend history to his will – or whether this bold gamble proves that even legends have limits.
ReyFort Media 
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