LAS VEGAS — With more than $550 million in career earnings already in the bank,
Manny Pacquiao insists he’s not cash-strapped ahead of his comeback clash at 46 against
Mario Barrios on July 19.
In fact, the only currency the Hall of Famer is interested in is adding more accolades to his legacy following four years of retirement.
“I don't need money. I need history,” Pacquiao told
The Ring. “I'm excited and happy to be back. It's nice to climb the mountain again. I still feel the excitement and dedication like I did before. I love fighting. I missed the training, the media, and promoting a fight, to be cheered by millions of fans.”
As much as Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) is adored by the people, a prominent pool of pundits are predicting Father Time and Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOS) will prove to be unbeatable when they meet at MGM Grand in Las Vegas to headline a PBC on Prime Video PPV.
Beating the WBC welterweight beltholder Barrios would make the eight-division champion Pacquiao the second-oldest titleholder in boxing history, and he would break his mark of being the oldest welterweight champion of all time, a feat he accomplished in 2019 when he outlasted
Keith Thurman at 40 via split decision.
But Pacquiao’s following fight against Yordenis Ugas in August 2021 didn’t go his way, and the Filipino icon hung up the gloves after a unanimous decision defeat to the Cuban.
In retirement, Pacquiao engaged in boxing exhibitions and made unsuccessful runs for president of the Philippines in 2022, and, earlier this year, as a senator, a seat he held from 2016-22.
“Right now, the book of politics is closed,” said Pacquiao. “I was able to rest my body for four years. I've been boxing non-stop since the age of 12. I still feel the excitement and dedication like I did before."
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan