Manny Pacquiao is gearing up for a blockbuster comeback nearly four years after his last outing—a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas. The boxing icon will challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios for the title on July 19, 2025, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. With the fight now official, Pacquiao’s longtime coach has issued a sharp, one-line warning to Barrios—hinting that the legend’s return won’t be just for show.

‘PacMan’ has started training for his upcoming fight, with several videos of his outdoor training sessions flooding the media. However, reporter Elie Seckbach from ES News went inside Pacquiao’s gym in Las Vegas to get the latest scoop. While there, Seckbach caught up with Pacquiao’s long-time strength and conditioning coach, Justin Fortune, who reflected on the Filipino legend’s first week in training camp.

Fortune claimed that since the 46-year-old is a little bit older and hasn’t trained for the past few years, they are taking things “a little bit slower,” but in the coming weeks, training will “go full steam ahead.” Regardless, when Fortune was pressed about any message he might have for team Barrios ahead of the fight, he summed up his thoughts in one line: “Watch out, we are coming.” Despite Fortune’s confidence in his boxer, there are doubts about his abilities at 46.

Pacquiao’s former promoter, Top Rank boss Bob Arum, seemed especially worried about Pacquiao’s return. “It seems really questionable that, at his age, he would put himself at risk by going into the ring with a champion fighter,” Arum told the Ring. However, showed his support for ‘PacMan,’ stating, “If anybody can do it, he can do it.” Interestingly, though the Filipino boxing legend hasn’t won a fight in the last six years, since edging out Keith Thurman in 2019.

In the meantime, Pacquiao’s former world champion opponent has also voiced his opinion on the upcoming fight. 

Oscar De La Hoya predicts Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios

Former six-division champion Oscar De La Hoya, who lost to Pacquiao back in 2008, believes his former foe still has what it takes to turn back the clock. While many see Pacquiao’s return as an extremely risky affair, De La Hoya feels the eight-division champion has a great shot at beating Barrios. “Absolutely,” De La Hoya told reporters when asked if Pacquiao could win.

“Manny Pacquiao’s a legend. I think he can do it,” he added. Barrios, on the other hand, has had a shaky 2024, narrowly escaping with a split decision draw over Abel Ramos after a tough fight with Fabian Maidana. Yet, ‘Golden Boy’ isn’t counting Barrios out entirely, stating, “It’s not gonna be easy but I think he can do it,” he added. “I wish him all the best.”

That said, despite a long lay-off, Manny Pacquiao seems to have loads of support backing him to win the upcoming fight. However, only time will tell whether ‘PacMan’ can live up to such predictions in July. Do you think the 46-year-old can win?