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 aiming 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.
Both Barrios’ and Pacquiao’s camps have expressed interest in a potential legacy fight. Additionally, current World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion Eimantas Stanionis would be willing to discuss a potential fight with the Filipino icon for the WBA welterweight title belt if an agreement with Barrios cannot be reached.
“Yes. Facing Manny Pacquiao is a nice fantasy fight for me. The opportunity would be a dream come true. Our styles would make for a guaranteed war. It would be a great opportunity for a legend to fight for the title again,” Stanionis said as quoted by World Boxing News.
Eimantas Stanionis open to giving Manny Pacquiao WBA title shot https://t.co/ownnQodYYE #PacquiaoStanionis
— World Boxing News (@WorldBoxingNews) July 11, 2024
However, the Lithuanian also admitted that he is looking to face Barrios to unify the welterweight division into one champion.
“I have been speaking to PBC about several fighters. Barrios is one of the top names on my list. We all know that the 147 kg division is blown up. I know I will be unifying titles from all belt holders soon. There are also big names in the 140lb division looking to move up in weight. I see many possibilities.
“Fighting at 140lb is also a possibility for me if the right fight is offered. I look forward to eventually moving up to 154lb in the future, too. Right now, I want them all! Barrios, Brian Norman, Jaron Ennis, Teofimo Lopez, Ryan Garcia, and Isaac Cruz, come and get it,” he added.
Pacquiao, for his part, was in the news recently after the Rizin Fighting Federation announced on Sunday, June 9, that the 45-year-old will face Japanese Rizin Featherweight Champion Chihiro Suzuki in a three-round exhibition fight at the Saitama Arena on July 28. The clash will be staged under the banner of Rizin Fighting Federation, and this will be the first time in over a decade that he will be fighting outside his usual, standard fighting weight.
Pacquiao has not been seen in a competitive fight since losing to Yordenis Ugas via a unanimous decision in August 2021. It will be intriguing to see what is in store for Pacquiao in the near future, considering that he will turn 46 next year. He is not getting any younger, with many wanting the iconic boxer to call it a day rather than risk tarnishing his legacy by continuing in the sport.
The prospect of Pacquiao stepping back into the ring for a title fight is exhilarating for his fans. His legacy in boxing is already cemented, but a victorious return could add another glorious chapter to his storied career. However, the risks are significant. Pacquiao’s last bout against Ugas exposed vulnerabilities that come with age. Every fight from now on could potentially harm his legacy if he cannot perform at the highest level.
Yet, Pacquiao's determination to continue fighting is a testament to his warrior spirit. For many athletes, the love of the sport and the thrill of competition are difficult to relinquish. This desire is evident in Pacquiao’s willingness to face opponents like Barrios or Stanionis, both of whom represent formidable challenges.
Eimantas Stanionis's openness to fighting Pacquiao highlights the respect the younger generation of boxers has for the Filipino legend. For Stanionis, a bout with Pacquiao is not just a fight but an opportunity to make history. A victory over a legendary figure like Pacquiao would be a career-defining moment.
Stanionis’s career is on an upward trajectory. With ambitions to unify the welterweight titles, he has his eyes set on multiple big names in the division. His desire to compete against top fighters in the 140lb and 154lb categories showcases his versatility and ambition. A fight with Pacquiao, therefore, fits perfectly into his career plan—a high-profile bout that could pave the way for future unification matches.
Pacquiao’s next moves will be closely watched by the boxing world. His exhibition match against Chihiro Suzuki is a warm-up, a chance to shake off the ring rust and gauge his current form. While this exhibition fight won’t add to his professional record, it will provide valuable insights into his physical condition and readiness for a full-fledged competitive bout.
If Pacquiao can showcase even a fraction of his former prowess, it will reignite excitement among his fans and the broader boxing community. The potential fight with Barrios, should it materialize, promises to be a thrilling encounter. Barrios’s recent elevation to full champion status makes him a desirable opponent, and a victory for Pacquiao could set up an even bigger showdown with Stanionis.
The prospect of Manny Pacquiao fighting for another title is tantalizing for boxing fans. His legacy, already filled with numerous accolades and memorable fights, could see another significant chapter. Eimantas Stanionis, with his ambitious plans and respect for Pacquiao, adds an exciting dynamic to the potential matchups in the welterweight division.
As we await further developments, one thing is certain: the boxing world will be eagerly watching Pacquiao’s next moves. Whether it’s against Barrios, Stanionis, or another top contender, Pacquiao’s return to the ring is set to be a major event.
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