Pacquiao controversy

Legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao caused controversy when he decided to return to the ring after 4 years of retirement - Photo: All Sports

This boxer will fight Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight world championship on July 19 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 win world championships in 8 different weight classes. Pacquiao's net worth is estimated at $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 for president of the Philippines in 2022, but ultimately lost to incumbent President Bongbong Marcos. Not long ago, Pacquiao also failed in his bid to win another seat in the Philippine Senate.

Perhaps due to his lack of success in politics, Pacquiao wanted to regain the feeling of victory in the ring. And he accepted the risk of fighting for the WBC championship against 30-year-old American Mario Barrios. Many experts believe that Pacquiao is too old to return to the ring. And if he does return, Pacquiao should have many warm-up matches before participating in the championship match.

Jeff Mayweather, uncle of boxer Floyd Mayweather, has criticised the WBC's rules for allowing former champions to return to their ranks after "retirement". "The problem is that Pacquiao has not done anything to compete for a world title," said Jeff Mayweather.

Former Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez also commented: "It's difficult for Pacquiao to fight after 4 years without touching a glove. The organizers are to blame. Why let Pacquiao fight for the world championship title after 4 years away from the ring?".

Many boxing experts around the world believe that Pacquiao is at risk of losing everything he has built. It is similar to what Mike Tyson suffered after losing to Jake Paul last year. That is because Pacquiao's opponent, Barrios, is in his prime and ready to take down anyone who wants to take his world title.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/pacquiao-gay-tranh-cai-2025052010512472.htm