Manny Pacquiao is set to return to the ring at age 45 to face newly promoted WBC welterweight world champion Mario Barrios.
The legendary Filipino boxer has now passed his medical and the governing body is in support of the bout in theory, despite being out of action since his 2021 crushing loss to Yordenis Ugas.
For Pacquiao, the desire for a world title has been a driving force behind the big-name fights he has received in recent years, and if he beats Barrios as planned, he would extend his own record as the oldest champion in his division.
Another beneficiary of the welterweight belt being tossed around after Terence Crawford decided to move up to 154 pounds is Jaron Ennis. Ennis is arguably the man to beat in the division and he recently spoke about Pacquiao’s return on Fight Hub TV.
“I don’t know if Pacquiao comes back and fights for a world title, but I don’t really care. If he can get the other belts, go for the unification fight and become unbeatable, I don’t really care what happens. I think it’s crazy that he would come back. It’s a good name to have on your resume, as long as it doesn’t get in my way. If he gets the belt, he’s got to win it.”
There’s a scenario in which Boots could face Pacquiao in a unification bout if he wins the WBC belt from Barrios, but a comeback bout is unlikely to be the start of a new, serious career in boxing and is more likely to be a one-off, meaning the Philadelphia native, unbeaten in 32 fights, could face anyone for the vacant belt.
He has a clear goal of becoming the undisputed champion at welterweight, but is also considering moving up to 154 pounds to face Crawford after missing out on an opportunity at his current weight class.