WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has responded to the backlash aimed at Manny Pacquiao’s return against Mario Barrios, wishing to defend his decision to sanction the controversial welterweight matchup.
It is widely reported that the pair will lock horns for Barrios’ WBC world title on July 19, headlining a Premier Boxing Champions card on Amazon Prime.
Along with that, a far more sensible undercard rematch – between WBC world super-welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu – is expected to take place.
But of course, the return of eight-division world champion Pacquiao is what has ultimately dominated the headlines, while also proving to be a highly contentious point of discussion.
The 46-year-old has not fought professionally since his unanimous decision defeat to Yordenis Ugas – which followed points victories over Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman – back in 2021.
Since then, Pacquiao has largely focused on his political campaign, no doubt haemorrhaging vast sums of money in his bid to become a Filipino senator.
Last year, however, ‘Pac Man’ entered an exhibition against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo and, rather unsurprisingly, was made to look every bit of his age.
But regardless of that, Sulaiman has decided to sanction Pacquiao’s comeback against Barrios.
When the decision was challenged by British trainer Dave Coldwell, the WBC boss offered his response.
He wrote on X yesterday: “Remember [Sugar Ray Leonard]? My father Jose Sulaiman and the WBC were criticized for making his fight vs [Marvin] Hagler.
“[Pacquiao] has been licensed by [the Nevada State Athletic Commission] and [has] passed all medicals and as legendary WBC champion has been approved to fight by our [organisation]. Let’s talk [on] July 20.”
It is worth noting that Leonard, despite returning from a three-year layoff, was in his early 30s by the time he and Hagler collided, unlike Pacquiao, who is 46.
And while Leonard was moving up two divisions to middleweight, the safety concerns surrounding Pacquiao’s comeback – given his age – remain plausible.
