Get Free Tickets, Pacquiao Directly Challenges Barrios To Hold, This Is What Observers Say!

JAKARTA - Manny Pacquiao, a boxing legend from the Philippines, will end his retirement at the age of 46. He is scheduled to fight against American boxer Mario Barrios, on July 19, 2025 in Las Vegas or Sunday morning WIB. This match will fight for the WBC version of the welterweight world title.

Pacquiao last fought professionally in 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision. Since the defeat, he has focused more on his political career in the Philippines. He served as a senator and ran for president in 2022, but did not succeed in winning.

As the only boxer in history to win a world title in eight different divisions, Pacquiao is widely known around the world. He has beaten a number of big names like Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, and Erik Morales. However, he has also suffered a major defeat, including against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2015 in a match that resulted in pay-per-view revenues of around 400 million US dollars the biggest number in boxing history.

Controversy And Criticism Of Pacquiao's Return

Pacquiao's decision to immediately fight in the world title race drew criticism from a number of boxing observers, including renowned boxing coach and analyst Dave Coldwell. In an article published on July 14, 2025, Coldwell stated that he would not watch Pacquiao's comeback match.

According to Coldwell, Pacquiao's move feels like a shortcut that relies on nostalgia, not an up-to-date feat. He said that the WBC's decision to immediately give Pacquiao the title a chance to pass through many other active boxers who have worked hard up the rankings is unfair.

Coldwell gave an example of how GeorgeOKer, who also made a comeback at the age of 45, had to undergo a number of tough fights before finally winning the world title again. While Pacquiao is considered overcoming' the process and goes straight into the top match, even though he hasn't fought competitively for a long time.

In his last exhibition fight against Japanese boxer Rukiya Anpo, Pacquiao was considered to have moved slowly and lost the sharpness of attack time. This is a signal that his physical abilities are no longer what they used to be.

Can Pacquiao beat Barrios?

From the coach's point of view, Coldwell said that it was very difficult to train boxers who had gone far past their peak. Pacquiao's boxing style that relies on high energy, agile movements, and sharp reflexs is very difficult to maintain at the age of 46 years. The fatigue of muscles, slow reactions, and declining body resistance can be exploited by opponents such as Barrios.

Mario Barrios himself is a 30-year-old boxer with a record 29 wins, 2 defeats, and 1 draw. He is known as a skilled and experienced boxer at the elite level, although not the strongest in his division. Coldwell estimates that Barrios will focus on attacking Pacquiao's body to drain his energy.

Coldwell, as quoted by VOI from the BBC, also warned that the outcome of this match could be dangerous in the long term for Pacquiao. If Pacquiao performs well enough, he may be tempted to continue fighting which could threaten his health. On the other hand, if he loses badly, like when KO against Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012, it could be a sad moment that tarnished the end of his career.

The Reason Behind Comeback

Pacquiao's motivation to return to the ring is still questionable. Is it just to pursue past glory? Or just for money? Coldwell hopes not a second reason. He emphasized that Pacquiao's legacy as one of the biggest boxers is already very strong and irreplaceable, regardless of the outcome of this comeback.

However, he also highlighted the need for professional boxing to have stricter regulations regarding boxers who return to fight in the elderly. Although it does not support the absolute age limit, he assesses that there needs to be a strict evaluation based on the physical and mental conditions of each boxer.

Pacquiao has made his professional debut since 1995 and has a record 62 wins, 8 defeats, and 2 draws. His return to the boxing ring at the age of 46 became a hot topic and broke opinions. Whatever the outcome of the fight against Barrios later, the world will again see one of the biggest sporting icons showing courage despite many questioning his wisdom.

The best hope from many parties is that Pacquiao can return safely, avoid serious injury, and realize that his legacy of glory has been sufficient for all time to remember.