Boxing’s only eight-division champion, Manny Pacquiao, is set to return to the ring on July 19, 2025, against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. However, fans across the globe are concerned about his well-being, as he breaks a nearly four-year-long retirement to fight at the age of 46. Amid all this, his son Jimuel has made an honest confession. 

‘Pac-Man’ last fought in a professional setting back on August 21, 2021, when he suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of former world champion Yordenis Ugas via unanimous decision. For a while since then, it appeared that the Filipino boxing legend was content with what he had achieved and would stay on the sidelines. 

He served as a Philippine senator from 2016 to 2022, even running for president in the 2022 elections in the country, though he finished third with 6.8% of the vote. Besides his political career, the now 46-year-old also appeared in a couple of exhibition boxing matches against South Korean martial artist DK Yoo (December 2022) and kickboxer Rukiya Anpo (July 2024).

Earlier this month, Pacquiao campaigned for a Senate seat in the midterm elections, but failed to secure one of the top 12 spots after placing 18th. Following the setback, ‘Pac-Man’ is eyeing his return to the sport, with WBC even entering the boxing legend into their top 5 rankings to make the Barrios fight a title bout. 

While some criticized the WBC for it, others remained concerned for Pacquiao. Speaking to Fight Hype recently, Pacquiao’s 24-year-old son addressed those concerns, noting, “I mean, it makes sense like he’s 46 now and then like even me as a son, I love him, he’s my dad.” He also added, “There’s also concern there, but I believe in him and he’s shown us that he stays to shape year around and all that. So, weight’s not going to be a problem, fitness not going to be a problem.”

Despite the reassurance, not everyone is happy about the 46-year-old returning to fight someone 16 years younger. 

Analyst puts Manny Pacquiao on blast

Boxing analyst Ade Oladipo didn’t hold back on Ariel & Ade when addressing Manny Pacquiao’s return to fight WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios later this summer. Oladipo called the comeback “embarrassing” and “bordering on disgraceful,” emphasizing the danger in letting a retired legend face a world champion.

“Manny Pacquiao, as you just said, is 46 years of age… It is clear to see that this guy can no longer do it at any level, let alone world championship level,” Oladipo said. “You can’t do that type of output at 46. It’s just not gonna be there.” He criticized the WBC’s decision, saying, “Fighters will always want to fight. It’s up to the sanctioning bodies… to say, ‘No, you can’t. Your time’s up.’”

That said, it appears that even though Manny Pacquiao’s son is fine with his father’s return at the age of 46, experts like Ade Oladipo still have concerns over the fight. Which side of the line are you on?