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“He Would Still Hold a World Title”: A Young Manny Pacquiao’s Photo From 1991 Takes Fans on a Trip Down Memory Lane

Published Dec 25, 2023 | 1:03 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Manny Pacquiao might be coming back from retirement after the end of his tenure as a senator. However, fans cannot forget the young Pacquiao who once won hearts. The boxer embarked on his journey, leaving his home as a teenager and clandestinely boarding a ship bound for Manila. Making his professional debut at 16 as a junior flyweight on January 22, 1995, he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming an eight-division boxing champion.

In 2021, Pacquiao announced his retirement and decided to dedicate his time to his country. A recent collage that shows the transformation from 1991 Pacquiao to 2021 Pacquiao has fans reminiscing about the life of the legendary champion.

Fans get nostalgic seeing a 13-year-old Manny Pacquiao

The collage had two pictures. One had 1991 etched on it with a young Pacquiao in red boxing attire standing with his arms raised in the traditional stance. The other picture was from 2021, with a much older Pacquiao holding the same stance. More than the physical changes, the change in his status as a boxer through the years holds more importance. “Only four decade champ in the history of the sport,” said one fan reminding us of Pacquiao’s historic achievements.

“Some blokes were just made to Box & Manny is the perfect example,” said another fan who believed Pacquiao and boxing are a match made for each other.

“Currently re-watching pac man v de la hoya. Happy holidays yall,” revealed another fan who spent his holidays rewatching Pacquiao’s famous bout with Oscar De La Hoya, where Pacquiao obliterated De La Hoya.

“He would still hold a world title belt at 147 pounds…,” said another fan who claimed that Pacquiao would still be the welterweight champion.

“It’s about to be 2024 kid,” said another fan, excited to have another year of Pacquiao in boxing.

Fans continue to have faith in Pacquiao’s extraordinary abilities, and his legendary status appears to be solidifying with each passing day. If all goes well, they may soon witness another demonstration of his prowess.

What does 2024 hold for Manny Pacquiao?

At 36 years old, former world champion Amir Khan expressed interest in a potential bout with the eight-division champion. Both fighters previously served as sparring partners under trainer Freddie Roach. Although a scheduled showdown was announced on social media, set to take place in the Middle East a few years ago, it fell through due to promoters failing to provide proof of funds.

Pacquiao, now engaged in exhibition fights, plans to participate in at least two in 2024. Some time ago, there was news about a Floyd Mayweather rematch but it hasn’t materialized as of yet. There were even talks of a bout with Conor McGregor. However, Pacquiao has shown little interest in it. As of now, we remain hopeful about seeing PacMan in the ring in the next year and the year after that.

Watch This Story: Everything to Know About Manny Pacquiao’s Relationship With Wife Jinkee Pacquiao

Written by:

Prachi Prava Senapati

538Articles

One take at a time

The Greatest aka Muhammad Ali would always say, “We can’t be brave without fear.” I am a Boxing author at EssentiallySports and was first drawn to the boxing gym when a friend of mine came to meet me with her hand wraps still on. After arranging enough resources, I joined the gym and eventually tried my hand at MMA as well.
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Edited by:

Gokul Pillai