THREE weeks ago, Manny Pacquiao came desperately close to breaking his own world record, but the Filipino icon has not given up hope yet. Instead, the 46-year-old has revealed that he will return to the ring in the near future.
When Pacquiao, 62-8-3 (39 KOs), announced his comeback and subsequent challenge for the WBC world title, many of his fans around the globe genuinely feared for his health and kept fingers crossed for a safe outcome rather than a world title win.
Yet, when ‘Pac-Man’ attempted to break his own record (42) and become the oldest ever welterweight world champion against Mario Barrios last month, most viewers felt he was unfortunate to come up short in what was scored as a majority-draw.
Reinvigorated by his performance and confident in his remaining ability, boxing’s only eight-division world champion is showing no signs of walking away from the sport and instead seems poised to challenge for world honours again, possibly rematching Barrios.
Speaking with Dyan Castillejo, Pacquiao has confirmed that he will fight again before the end of the calendar.
“[I will return] this year, in December.”
Whilst Pacquiao will fancy his chances in a rematch with Barrios, after shaking off almost four years’ worth of ring rust in their initial encounter, the WBC champion is not the only 147lb world champion being linked to a showdown with the International Boxing Hall of Famer.
Additionally, a contest is being touted between Pacquiao and reigning WBA welterweight world titlist, Rolando Romero, 17-2 (13 KOs), who was upgraded to full champion last month after claiming the WBA (Regular) belt in an upset victory over Ryan Garcia.
Having seemingly proved his doubters wrong against Barrios, there will be many more Pacquiao believers ahead of either of those contests. It remains to be seen which route he will opt for, as he bids to prove that age is just a number once again.
