Fans have reacted as new footage of Manny Pacquiao training for his boxing return has emerged.
Manny Pacquiao is set to make his return to the ring at the age of 46 this summer against WBC champion Mario Barrios.
Pacquiao has not won a fight in six years, having lost his last attempt at a comeback in 2021 against Yordenis Ugas. Pacquiao also has one KO in 16 years.
Barrios, who was KO’d by Gervonta Davis, defeated Ugas, who beat Terence Crawford as an amateur, to become the interim champion and will defend his title against Pac-Man this year.
‘He should stay retired’… Fans are split over Manny Pacquiao training footage
In footage shared to X, Pacquiao can be seen on the heavy bag displaying his signature speed. Whilst many are impressed, some don’t believe this reflects Pacquiao’s true form, and believe his age will show in the ring.
Responses from fans ranged from heaping praise on the Filipino fighter with things like:
“This fight is going to be over within 6 rounds with Pac-Man knocking out his opponent.”
“Nice to see Manny back in action! Can’t wait to see him in the ring again.”
Though others are concerned that Pacquiao fighting at this age could be seriously dangerous:
“We about to witness a live murder of manny. Sad times we are in boxing community.”
“More likely Barrios probably will brutally stop the legend though. But power is the last thing to go, and manny got that still.”
One put it fairly when he reasoned: “For his age, he’s in great condition. But let’s not get carried away. Father time waits for no one!”
Manny Pacquiao was arguably beaten by his tallest exhibition opponent
After his loss to Ugas, Pacquiao, who almost fought Amir Khan once, announced his retirement from boxing, but did participate in a few exhibition bouts.
The most notable of these came against former kickboxer and Pacquiao’s tallest opponent, Rukiya Anpo, which took place in Japan.
Despite being only three rounds, Pacquiao’s age showed, and many believe had there been a judge, Anpo would’ve beaten the aged legend.