Manny Pacquiao just can’t get enough.

In 2021, it seemed like the right time to end things. Pacquiao was over 40 years old, didn’t look particularly sharp in his defeat to Yordenis Ugas, and to a certain extent, it was difficult to envision him competing with the rest of the welterweight division’s top dogs.

Maybe, just maybe he felt the same, leading him to announce his retirement. Now, however, he’s officially changed his mind.

Recently, Pacquiao took to his social media to announce his upcoming showdown against current WBC welterweight titlist, Mario Barrios on July 19.

At the age of 46, Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) will be facing someone more than a decade and a half younger and seemingly in the middle of his prime.

Some call it a suicide mission, others call it impractical. Oscar De La Hoya, on the other hand, believes a win for Pacquiao is incredibly feasible.

“Absolutely,” De La Hoya told a large group of reporters when asked if Pacquiao has what it takes to win. “Manny Pacquiao’s a legend. I think he can do it.”

Barrios, 30, flirted with the idea of facing Jaron Ennis in an attempt to unify the division. But, a matchup with Pacquiao was simply too financially rewarding to pass up.

By and large, Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) has proven himself over the years but 2024 was forgettable. The former two-division champion had a somewhat difficult time with fringe contender Fabian Maidana. His next outing was considerably worse.

Abel Ramos, a long-faded contender who struggled to win fights over the years, gave Barrios all he could handle, resulting in a split decision draw.

It wasn’t his most productive year but De La Hoya isn’t holding his previous performances against him. While he’s somewhat siding with Pacquiao, he doesn’t believe Barrios will be some sort of pushover.

“It’s not gonna be easy but I think he can do it,” De La Hoya continued. “I wish him all the best.”