Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxer, is hinting at a potential return to the ring with hopes of claiming an unprecedented 9th division title. At 45 years old, Pacquiao’s desire to come back highlights his passion for the sport that made him a global icon.
Manny Pacquiao’s Boxing Career
Over his 20-year career, Pacquiao set numerous records, becoming the only boxer to win world titles in eight different weight divisions. His last professional fight was in August 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugás and announced his retirement. Since then, Pacquiao has stayed active in other fields, including politics, where he ran for president in 2022 and is now seeking a Senate seat in 2025. Manny Pacquiao also has a background in basketball, having played and coached in the Philippine Basketball Association from 2014 to 2017 and founded the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League in 2022.
Manny Pacquiao’s Comeback
Pacquiao’s team is discussing the possibility of a comeback, with promoter Sean Gibbons stating that Pacquiao would be “ready to rumble” if a fight is arranged by January 31, 2025. The prospect of a fight against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios has also been mentioned, although negotiations have stalled in the past.
On social media today he shared:
“8 divisions. Sitting here wondering… was it enough?”
Throughout his career, Pacquiao became known for his speed, power, and ability to compete across multiple weight classes. He defeated notable opponents such as Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Oscar De La Hoya. His 2015 fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. remains the highest-grossing pay-per-view event in boxing history.
While a return at his age would be remarkable, Pacquiao’s recent exhibition match against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo raised some concerns about his form. Despite this, his popularity and pursuit of a historic 9th division title continue to draw attention from boxing fans around the world.