The legend of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao continues to shine brightly, even as he edges closer to 50. At 46 years old, the former eight-division world champion shows no signs of hanging up his gloves for good. Recently, Pacquiao has expressed his interest in stepping back into the ring for a high-profile fight, with his sights now set on World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion Gervonta Davis.
In a recent media interaction, Pacquiao didn’t hold back, confidently stating, "I can fight anybody, even like Gervonta Davis. I’m not scared of anybody." The declaration sent ripples through the boxing community, sparking speculation about whether the boxing icon could indeed face one of the sport’s most dominant and feared champions.
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❓❔❓ Manny Pacquiao the GOAT?
🌪️ Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) is a former eight division world champion, boxing’s all time record.
⚡️💥 Known for his lightning speed and power, Pacquiao… pic.twitter.com/cptfckrUhb
Pacquiao’s determination for a comeback fight has been apparent for some time. Earlier this year, he was heavily linked with a bout against World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
Representatives from both camps reportedly engaged in talks to finalize a date and venue for the much-anticipated fight. Barrios’ coach, Bob Santos, even went on record to say the discussions were progressing positively, giving fans hope for a showdown between the two fighters.
However, Pacquiao’s hopes were ultimately dashed when Barrios defended his title against Abel Ramos in November. The fight effectively ruled out the possibility of a clash between the Filipino legend and Barrios, leaving Pacquiao to explore other potential opponents for his return to the professional boxing scene.
Gervonta Davis is a name synonymous with dominance in the world of boxing. Nicknamed "Tank," Davis is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous fighters of his generation. The 30-year-old boasts an unblemished professional record of 30-0, with a staggering 28 of those wins coming via knockout. His most recent victory came in June 2024 when he dismantled Frank Martin in the eighth round during a thrilling encounter in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Davis is currently preparing to defend his WBA lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1, 2025, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Yet, amidst his busy schedule, Davis recently surprised the boxing world by announcing his intention to retire at the end of 2025. In his statement, Davis named three opponents he plans to face before stepping away from the sport, though Pacquiao was notably absent from the list.
While Davis’ retirement plans might complicate a potential fight with Pacquiao, the latter remains undeterred. For Pacquiao, a fight against Davis would not only mark an incredible comeback but also provide an opportunity to prove that age is just a number in the face of determination and skill.
Pacquiao’s last professional boxing fight took place in August 2021, when he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas. Since then, he has focused on exhibition matches, allowing him to stay active in the sport without the pressures of professional competition. His most notable exhibition fight was against South Korean martial artist DK Yoo in December 2022, where Pacquiao secured a commanding victory.
Outside the ring, Pacquiao has also pursued a career in politics. His bid for the presidency of the Philippines in 2022 demonstrated his commitment to serving his country beyond his boxing legacy. Though his political aspirations have taken up significant time, Pacquiao has never fully turned his back on the sport that made him a global icon.
A potential fight between Pacquiao vs Davis is laden with challenges, from logistics and scheduling to Davis’ retirement plans. Still, the possibility has boxing fans buzzing with excitement. For Pacquiao, the allure of a fight against a younger, undefeated champion like Davis represents the ultimate test and a chance to further cement his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
On the other hand, for Davis, a fight against a legend like Pacquiao could be a marquee moment in his career, adding even more prestige to his already illustrious record. Whether this fight becomes a reality will depend on negotiations between both camps, as well as the willingness of Davis to take on such a high-risk opponent in the twilight of his career.
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