Manny Pacquiao Eyes Possible Boxing Comeback

Manny Pacquiao, the former eight-division world champion, may be considering a return to professional boxing, with his promoter Sean Gibbons suggesting he is ready for a fight before January 31, 2025. Despite his last professional bout being a loss to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021, Pacquiao participated in an exhibition match in July 2023, which raised concerns about his performance. WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios has expressed interest in facing Pacquiao, but after Pacquiao's lackluster exhibition performance, Barrios opted to defend his title against Abel Ramos instead. Gibbons remains hopeful for a match between Pacquiao and Barrios, potentially in mid-2025, while acknowledging the challenges posed by Pacquiao's political ambitions as he runs for the Philippine Senate. Many in the boxing community are skeptical about Pacquiao's capability to compete at a high level due to his recent performances and age. However, Gibbons noted that Pacquiao's enduring spirit might drive him to pursue one last fight, despite the risks involved.