Philippines boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has no plans of moving away from the sport, with his promoter and president of MP Manny Pacquiao Promotions, Sean Gibbons, confirming that the icon has one more big fight left in him.
It was recently reported that Pacquiao is eager to fight in the welterweight category, with the 45-year-old keen to challenge for the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title. Gibbons confirmed the news after it emerged that current WBC Interim Welterweight champion Mario Barrios will have an opportunity to become the full title winner.
In news that would delight Pacquiao’s camp, Barrios was recently elevated to the welterweight world champion by the WBC Board of Governors after they granted Terrence Crawford the champion in recess status.
Former World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and World Boxing Championship (WBC) light-welterweight and welterweight champion Amir Khan boxer is not impressed by the recent developments, giving a damning verdict on the potential boxing fight.
“I sparred Mario Barrios a few times, he used to train with me. Barrios is a really nice kid, quite lean, a tall, straight-forward boxer, but I was quite surprised to see that Manny Pacquiao might want to make a return to the boxing ring. Look how corrupt boxing is. It’s full of corruption. It’s not like it used to be, then again they always have their favorites. They’re going to let them fight, whoever brings the most money to the table they will sanction them to fight,” Khan said as quoted by The Stomping Ground.
“If Manny wants to come and fight for a world title why not but it’s a bit unfair isn’t it. There are so many young fighters coming up. Really I think you should give the next generation a chance, man,” he added.
Manny Pacquiao's name has been synonymous with boxing greatness for decades. As an eight-division world champion, his legacy in the sport is unparalleled. However, his decision to potentially fight Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title has sparked controversy.
Amir Khan's remarks highlight a recurring issue in professional boxing: the influence of money and politics. Khan's assertion that "whoever brings the most money to the table they will sanction them to fight" suggests a deep-seated corruption within the sport's governing bodies.
Mario Barrios, a competent and skilled boxer, was not initially the expected opponent for Pacquiao's potential return. Barrios, who has been elevated to the status of WBC welterweight world champion, now finds himself in the spotlight.
This elevation came after Terrence Crawford was granted the champion in recess status by the WBC Board of Governors, a decision that has further complicated the boxing landscape. The WBC's move has been met with mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a strategic maneuver to create more lucrative fights.
Amir Khan's critical stance on this development is rooted in his extensive experience and insight into the sport. Having sparred with Barrios, Khan has firsthand knowledge of his capabilities. His comments that Barrios is a "really nice kid, quite lean, a tall, straight-forward boxer" offer a balanced view of the potential challenger.
Khan's surprise at Pacquiao's return to the ring underscores a broader concern about fairness in boxing. His statement, “If Manny wants to come and fight for a world title why not but it’s a bit unfair isn’t it. There are so many young fighters coming up. Really I think you should give the next generation a chance, man,” resonates with many boxing fans who believe that emerging talents should be given opportunities to shine.
Interestingly, Khan's criticism comes despite his expressed desire to face Pacquiao. The Brit retired from boxing in 2022 after a defeat to long-term rival Kell Brook at Manchester’s AO Arena but has shown eagerness to return to the sport.
Khan has stated that a fight with Pacquiao would “motivate” him and would be “perfect,” even calling for organizers in Saudi Arabia to bankroll the venture. This ambition reveals a complex dynamic where respect for Pacquiao's legacy intersects with the desire for personal glory and financial gain.
Both Pacquiao and Khan have shared training sessions under the legendary coach Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. This history adds another layer to Khan's comments, as it reflects both his admiration for Pacquiao and his belief in the need for fair play in the sport.
At 45, Manny Pacquiao's potential return to the ring is a testament to his enduring passion for boxing. His career, marked by historic achievements and thrilling matches, still captivates fans worldwide. However, the decision to fight Barrios, amidst allegations of corruption and favoritism, has cast a shadow over what could be a fitting end to an illustrious career.
The debate surrounding Manny Pacquiao's potential fight with Mario Barrios highlights broader issues within the sport of boxing. Amir Khan's criticism sheds light on the perceived corruption and favoritism that can influence major boxing decisions.
As fans await official confirmation of the fight, the discussion continues about the fairness and integrity of professional boxing. Whether Pacquiao’s return will add another glorious chapter to his legacy or further fuel the debate on corruption remains to be seen.
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