Home / Sports / Pacquiao, 46, Seeks Redemption and Record as Oldest Welterweight Champ
Pacquiao, 46, Seeks Redemption and Record as Oldest Welterweight Champ
19 Jul
Summary
- Pacquiao, 46, is returning to boxing after a loss 4 years ago
- He aims to become the oldest welterweight champion in history
- Pacquiao says he still has the "fire" and ability to be champion again
Manny Pacquiao, the 46-year-old Filipino boxing icon, is making a highly anticipated return to the ring this Saturday to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas. Pacquiao, an 8-division world champion, is attempting to make history by becoming the oldest welterweight champion ever.
Pacquiao's last fight was an "ugly loss" almost 4 years ago against Cuban fighter Yordenis Ugas, leading some to question whether the legendary champ still had the desire and ability to compete at the highest level. However, Pacquiao insists he has regained his passion for the sport, saying, "I just missed boxing and I can still feel the fire in my heart and in my mind."
After finishing 18th in a bid to reclaim a seat in the Philippine Senate last year, Pacquiao decided to make a comeback, confident that he can still perform at a championship level. His doctor has given him the "thumbs up," and his family has fully supported his decision to return to the ring.
Pacquiao, who made his professional debut 30 years ago, is determined to impress his fans and inspire young boxers with a convincing victory over the 29-2-1 Barrios. If successful, he could potentially set up a lucrative rematch with the 48-year-old Floyd Mayweather Jr., whose first fight with Pacquiao 10 years ago was the highest-selling combat event of all time.
