Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is a name synonymous with boxing greatness. Known as one of the most decorated fighters in the sport’s history, Pacquiao has no plans to step away from the ring just yet.
His promoter and the president of MP Manny Pacquiao Promotions, Sean Gibbons, recently confirmed that Pacquiao still has at least one more big fight left in him. However, time is running out for the 45-year-old boxer to make his much-anticipated return, especially with his upcoming political commitments.
Pacquiao recently declared his candidacy for the Philippine Senate in the 2025 elections, a move that has significant implications for his boxing career. The national elections in the Philippines are scheduled for May 2025, and campaigning is expected to begin as early as February. Given these political obligations, Pacquiao’s window for a professional comeback is narrowing.
Nangangako si dating senador Manny Pacquiao na sakaling makabalik siya sa Senado, lalabanan niya ang kurapsiyon, habang ipinagtanggol ang pamilya Marcos sa parehong isyu.
— Pilipinas Today (@PilipinasToday_) October 8, 2024
Naghain si Pacquiao ng kanyang certificate of candidacy (COC) nitong Lunes, Oktubre 7, sa pag-asang muling… pic.twitter.com/GlGMsk1jiL
While politics may dominate Pacquiao’s future, his present focus remains on boxing. According to recent reports, the legendary boxer has set his sights on the welterweight division, a weight class where he has previously thrived.
Pacquiao, now 45 years old, is eager to challenge for the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title, currently held by Mario Barrios. This matchup would be a significant test for Pacquiao as he attempts to add another championship belt to his already legendary career.
Discussions between Pacquiao’s camp and Mario Barrios’ team have reportedly been progressing, with both parties expressing interest in making the fight happen. Bob Santos, the coach of Mario Barrios, confirmed the positive nature of these talks, indicating that there was a genuine possibility of the two fighters meeting in the ring.
However, it appears that Pacquiao will not get his desired shot at Barrios, at least not in the immediate future. Barrios is scheduled to defend his title against Abel Ramos in November, pushing any potential fight with Pacquiao further down the line. This development poses a significant setback for Pacquiao, who is running out of time to fit a professional bout into his increasingly busy schedule.
The primary obstacle for Pacquiao's boxing comeback is his commitment to the 2025 Philippine Senate elections. As a former Senator and a well-known political figure, Pacquiao’s candidacy for the Senate is serious business.
His political ambitions have become a priority, and the election process will require a significant amount of time and energy. Gibbons, Pacquiao’s promoter, has made it clear that Pacquiao’s political commitments will take precedence over his boxing career, at least until the middle of 2025.
"We are running out of a little time as ‘Sir Manny’ declared his candidacy for the Senate in 2025," Gibbons stated during a media interview. "He is tied up from February to May 11, when the election takes place. But, anything can happen after. For sure, that's the Barrios title chance, but it is still the fight."
This statement suggests that while a fight with Barrios remains a possibility, it would likely not take place until after the elections in May 2025. Given Pacquiao’s age and the demanding nature of both boxing and politics, there are concerns about whether the boxer can maintain his form and conditioning long enough to make a successful comeback.
At 45 years old, Manny Pacquiao is undoubtedly nearing the end of his storied boxing career. While his heart and passion for the sport remain, Father Time is undefeated. In addition to his age, the demands of high-level boxing, combined with his political aspirations, make it difficult for Pacquiao to fully commit to both endeavors.
Pacquiao’s last professional fight was against Yordenis Ugás in August 2021, where he lost by unanimous decision. Since then, he has participated in exhibition matches, including a recent bout against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in July 2024.
The fight, part of the Super Rizin 3 event in Tokyo, Japan, ended in a draw, although there were no official scores. While Pacquiao showed flashes of his old self during the third round, his performance left much to be desired, raising further questions about his ability to compete at the highest level.
Pacquiao’s age and recent performances have fueled speculation about whether he can still compete with elite-level boxers. While he remains one of the sport’s biggest draws, the boxing landscape has shifted significantly since his prime.
Younger fighters like Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr., and Vergil Ortiz Jr. now dominate the welterweight division. Facing a fighter like Mario Barrios, who is 14 years younger, would be a daunting challenge for Pacquiao.
Despite these challenges, Pacquiao has made it clear that he is not ready to hang up his gloves just yet. His promoter, Sean Gibbons, remains optimistic about Pacquiao’s chances of securing a big fight before his political campaign kicks into full gear. However, the window of opportunity is closing fast.
If Pacquiao is unable to secure a fight before the end of the year, it is likely that his boxing career will be put on hold until after the 2025 elections. By that time, Pacquiao will be 46 years old, and the physical demands of training for a high-stakes fight will only increase.
Gibbons’ statement about the possibility of a post-election fight with Mario Barrios suggests that Pacquiao’s team is willing to wait if necessary, but time is not on their side.
Regardless of whether he makes a successful return to the ring, Manny Pacquiao’s legacy in boxing is already secure. As an eight-division world champion, Pacquiao has achieved more than most fighters could ever dream of. His influence extends beyond the sport of boxing, with his philanthropic work and political career making him a beloved figure in the Philippines and around the world.
However, for Pacquiao, the drive to compete remains strong. He has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and his determination to fight at the highest level is a testament to his enduring passion for the sport.
For boxing fans and sports bettors, the prospect of Manny Pacquiao making a comeback is an exciting opportunity. Whether he fights Mario Barrios or another contender, Pacquiao’s return to the ring will be one of the most anticipated events in boxing.
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