Legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao sparked controversy with his decision to return to the ring after a four-year retirement - Photo: All Sports
This boxer will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight world championship belt on July 19th in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao (46 years old) is one of the greatest boxers of all time. He has won 12 world championships and is the only boxer to have won world championships in eight different weight classes. Pacquiao's net worth is estimated at around $220 million.
But four years ago, Pacquiao decided to hang up his gloves to focus on his political career. He was a senator and ran in the 2022 Philippine presidential election, but ultimately lost to incumbent President Bongbong Marcos. Not long ago, Pacquiao also failed in his attempt to win another seat in the Philippine Senate.
Perhaps due to his lack of success in politics, Pacquiao wants to rediscover the feeling of victory in the boxing ring. He has taken a risk by attempting a WBC championship fight against 30-year-old American Mario Barrios. Many experts believe Pacquiao is too old to return to the ring. And if he does return, he should have several warm-up fights before participating in the championship fight.
Jeff Mayweather, uncle of legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather, has criticized the WBC's rule allowing former champions to return to their former ranks after retirement. Jeff Mayweather said: "The problem is Pacquiao hasn't done anything to challenge for a world championship belt."
Former Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez also commented: "It's difficult for Pacquiao to fight after 4 years away from the ring. The organizers are to blame. Why would they let Pacquiao fight for the world championship title after 4 years away from the ring?"
Many boxing experts around the world believe Pacquiao risks losing everything he has built. It's similar to what Mike Tyson suffered after losing to Jake Paul last year. This is because Pacquiao's opponent, Barrios, is at the peak of his career and ready to defeat anyone who wants to take his world championship belt.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/pacquiao-gay-tranh-cai-2025052010512472.htm
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