Three years after stepping away from professional boxing, Manny Pacquiao is set to make a dramatic return to the ring. On July 28, the multiple world champion will face Japanese martial artist Chihiro Suzuki in a highly anticipated exhibition match in Saitama, north of Tokyo. Despite being 45 years old, Pacquiao remains in impressive physical condition and is eager to embrace new challenges.
Pacquiao’s passion for boxing has never waned. Even after being denied the opportunity to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics due to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) age limit for boxers, he continued his rigorous training regime. This decision was a significant blow for Pacquiao, who had hoped to represent the Philippines on the Olympic stage. Nevertheless, his determination has led him back to the ring.
The upcoming fight against Suzuki, a three-round, 68kg no-contest bout, marks Pacquiao’s second return to boxing since his retirement. He previously participated in an exhibition match in Seoul in December 2022 against a South Korean YouTuber. This time, however, Pacquiao insists that the match with Suzuki is not merely an exhibition. “This is a fight. We’re looking for a knockout in this fight,” he stated, emphasizing his intent to deliver an action-packed performance.
In addition to the Suzuki fight, Pacquiao is eyeing a potential welterweight title bout against American boxer Mario Barrios. Although the negotiations are still ongoing, Pacquiao expressed optimism about the match taking place later this year. “The fight has not happened yet. That negotiation is still going on. It will be in December, November or December,” he said, indicating that discussions are still in progress.
Pacquiao’s professional boxing career is illustrious, boasting an impressive record of 62-8-2 with 39 knockouts. He is the only boxer in history to have won world titles in eight different weight divisions, beginning with his first title in 1998 and his most recent in 2019. His comeback signifies his unwavering commitment to the sport and his desire to continue making history.
Should the fight with Barrios materialize, it will feature a notable age gap, with Pacquiao at 45 and Barrios at 29. Barrios, who holds a record of 29-2 with 18 knockouts, became the welterweight champion last September. A potential showdown in Las Vegas would see two fighters from different generations competing for the prestigious WBC welterweight title.
As Pacquiao prepares for his match against Suzuki and continues negotiations for a title fight with Barrios, fans around the world eagerly await the return of one of boxing’s greatest legends. His comeback underscores his enduring legacy and the indomitable spirit that has defined his career.
