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Manny Pacquiao's Son Expresses Concern Over Father's Return to the Ring
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Manny Pacquiao's Son Expresses Concern Over Father's Return to the Ring
Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxer, has once again made headlines with his announcement to come out of retirement at the age of 46. This time, he’s set to face reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in a highly anticipated match. While Pacquiao’s return has been met with excitement from fans, there is also a more personal side to the story—his son, Jimuel Pacquiao, has openly expressed concerns about his father’s decision to return to the ring.
A Son's Concern
Jimuel Pacquiao, Manny’s eldest son, has been very vocal about his mixed feelings regarding his father’s comeback. In a recent interview, he admitted his worries, especially given Manny’s age. "I mean, it makes sense like he’s 46 now and then like even me as a son, I love him," Jimuel stated. "There’s also concern there, but I believe in him and he’s shown us that he stays in shape year-round and all that. So, weight’s not going to be a problem, fitness not going to be a problem."
Despite the natural concern that comes with seeing a father step back into such a physically demanding sport at an advanced age, Jimuel highlighted his father's incredible commitment to maintaining peak physical condition. This unwavering discipline gives Jimuel confidence that Manny will be prepared for the challenge.
Manny Pacquiao's Preparation and Dedication
One of the main reasons Jimuel has confidence in his father’s ability to perform at a high level, despite his age, is Pacquiao’s dedication to staying in top shape. Manny has consistently been known for his rigorous training routines and discipline, and this has only intensified in preparation for his upcoming fight.
“He stays in shape year-round,” Jimuel explained. “So, weight’s not going to be a problem, fitness not going to be a problem.” This level of commitment is one that Manny has maintained throughout his career, and it’s something that Jimuel firmly believes will make a difference as his father prepares for the fight against Barrios.
The Big Fight: Pacquiao vs. Barrios
The upcoming match between Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios is set for July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas. Pacquiao will be looking to reclaim his place among the boxing elite by challenging Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. This will be Pacquiao's first major fight since his loss to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021. Since then, Pacquiao has focused on his political career, serving as a senator in the Philippines. His time away from the ring has fueled debates about whether he can still compete at the highest level.
In preparation for this comeback, Manny has been in training with his longtime trainer, Freddie Roach. Roach has acknowledged that it’s a difficult task for any fighter, especially someone of Manny’s age, to return to top-tier boxing. However, he remains confident in Pacquiao’s abilities, stating, “It’s a tough road for anyone at this age to do what Manny is trying to do. But if anyone can do it, Manny can.”
The Debate Around Pacquiao’s Return
The debate surrounding Manny Pacquiao’s return to boxing is multifaceted. On one hand, his fans are excited to see the "Pac-Man" back in the ring, but on the other, there are concerns about the risks involved. At 46, Pacquiao is certainly not in the same physical prime he was during his earlier years, and this raises questions about how he will handle an opponent like Mario Barrios, who is much younger and currently in his prime.
Furthermore, many former fighters, analysts, and even fans have voiced concerns about the potential consequences of such a late-career comeback. While Pacquiao has defied the odds throughout his career, the brutal nature of boxing and the toll it takes on a fighter's body cannot be ignored.
The Final Countdown
As the fight date draws nearer, all eyes will be on Manny Pacquiao to see if he can defy the expectations of many and prove that age is just a number. With his son, Jimuel, watching closely, and the entire boxing world holding its breath, Pacquiao's return to the ring will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about events in boxing for years to come. Whether he will be able to reclaim the championship title or prove that retirement was truly the right decision remains to be seen. One thing is for sure—Manny Pacquiao’s journey is far from over, and his determination to fight on is as strong as ever.