Philippines boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has no plans of moving away from the boxing 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.
Recently, it was reported that Pacquiao is eager to fight in the welterweight category, with the 45-year-old ready to challenge for the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title. Gibbons confirmed this after it emerged that current WBC Interim Welterweight champion Mario Barrios will have an opportunity to become the full titleholder.
In news that would delight Pacquiao’s camp, Barrios was recently elevated to welterweight world champion by the WBC Board of Governors after they granted Terrence Crawford the champion in recess status. This change paves the way for a potential clash between Pacquiao and Barrios.
Former World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Shawn Porter has commented on the potential Pacquiao vs. Barrios fight, revealing that the Filipino icon will beat his opponent but should stay away from Jaron Ennis afterward.
“As far as that Barrios fight goes, I’m at the point where I hate to see some of these guys come back and get in the ring. It’s what they want to do - I really don’t like it. I’m trying to rewrite that narrative, once you are retired, stay retired, find other things to do. I think Pacquiao will come back and I think he will win that fight against Barrios, but outside of that, Jaron Ennis is a fighter you stay away from,” Porter said as quoted by Boxing Scene.
The welterweight division has produced some legendary boxers and finest champions, and it seems like the division has unearthed another gem in Jaron Ennis. The 27-year-old gave David Avanesyan a beating during their fight on July 13 and is now looking to unify the division.
Ennis might look to face the winner of the Pacquiao and Barrios fight, although Porter believes that while the fight between Pacquiao and Ennis would have been one of the biggest in the past during the Filipino’s prime, a present-day fight would see the former eight-division champion stand no chance as he is not good enough anymore.
“I don’t think Pacquiao has the punch resistance to get in the ring with Ennis anymore. Once upon a time that would have been an amazing fight, based on what Ennis is now and based on who Pacquiao used to be. Pacquiao is not that guy anymore. Mario Barrios is too slow, takes too many punches,” Porter 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.
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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 fight with Suzuki, although an exhibition, might serve as a warm-up for Pacquiao, allowing him to gauge his current form and fitness levels. While exhibition matches are not as intense as professional bouts, they still offer a glimpse into a fighter’s abilities and readiness for a real challenge.
Pacquiao’s dedication to boxing is undeniable. Over the years, he has provided fans with countless memorable moments and has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time. However, the sport is unforgiving, and the risk of injury increases with age. Fans and pundits alike are divided on whether Pacquiao should continue fighting or retire gracefully.
On one hand, a victory over Barrios would be a remarkable achievement for Pacquiao, adding another chapter to his storied career. On the other hand, facing a young and formidable opponent like Ennis could be detrimental. Ennis is in his prime, and his aggressive style and punching power pose a significant threat to any opponent.
Shawn Porter's advice for Pacquiao to avoid Ennis is rooted in concern for Pacquiao’s well-being. While Pacquiao has the heart of a champion and the determination to fight, it is crucial to consider the long-term effects of continuing in such a physically demanding sport.
For now, the focus is on the upcoming exhibition match and the potential bout with Barrios. Boxing enthusiasts around the world will be watching closely, eager to see if Pacquiao can defy the odds once again. Regardless of the outcome, Manny Pacquiao’s impact on the sport of boxing will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of fighters.
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