As he geared up for Mario Barrios’ return to the world welterweight title fight next month, Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday dissayed worries about his 46-year career.
Four years after his last fight ended in a disappointing defeat, the charismatic Filipino boxing icon announced he would fight World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, who won 12 world titles in eight different weight classes during his glittering professional career that started in 1995, claimed that his resumption was fueled by the glamour of championship boxing.
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At a press conference in Los Angeles, Pacquiao stated, “I’m coming back because I miss my boxing.” Particularly in these circumstances, including being interviewed, holding a press conference, attending a training camp, and such.
I overlooked that. However, I’ve had four years of rest in my body, which has been good for me. I return now, too.
After losing to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, Pacquiao claimed that his decision to retire had left him devastated.
Even when I put on my gloves, Pacquiao said, “I can still fight, I can still feel my body, I can still work hard.”
I was so devastated when I said I had to hang up my gloves four years ago. I was crying, but I was unable to let the tears out of my eyes stop.
Pacquiao, however, revealed that he still had the strength and fitness to fight despite having exercised at home in the Philippines.
I realized that I still have that passion when I’m playing basketball or working out at the gym at home. He said, “I still have that speed and power.”
Low-risk’s comeback,  
Some boxers worry that Barrios’ return will pose a threat to the Filipino’s safety, as some have done before.
Pacquiao clarified those concerns by saying that his family and loved ones were unwaveringly supportive of his recovery.
“I’m thankful for them for their concern,” Pacquiao told AFP. My family is the one who really worries me, though. My family observed my body condition, how I train, and how I move. Because they can see the old Pacquiao style, they back me.
Due to a WBC rule that allows former champions to request a title fight when coming out of retirement, Pacquiao, who has reunited with veteran trainer Freddie Roach for the next fight, can now contest the title right away.
After passing medical exams, Pacquiao was given a clearance to return to the ring by WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, who in a statement to AFP on Tuesday stated that the fighter’s return was “low risk.”
According to Salaiman, “Manny Pacquiao is at no higher risk than any other fighter entering the ring.” For four years, Manny has rested his body. He doesn’t consume alcohol. He doesn’t use drugs. He has cared for himself as a family man. He is therefore at the lowest risk among the various dangers.
Barrios, Pacquiao’s rival, said he would disregard the Filipino’s reputation as one of his most admired fighters.
Barrios said of Pacquiao, “There are nothing but positive things to say about him outside of the ring.” He’s a difficult person to dislike. You can tell, however, that it’s either to kill or to be killed.
You can tell that he’s going to get me out of there if he ever causes me harm. So I just need to enter the area and ensure that my hand is raised when the fight is over.
Source: Channels TV
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