It is a 38-second clip of a man, gloves on, moving around a heavy bag that has now invited a fierce debate among boxing fans. And the man? Manny Pacquiao. The former eight-division world champion appeared in a training clip shared by Boxing Kingdom, signaling a professional boxing comeback. At 46 years of age and after nearly four years away from the sport, the PacMan is returning to the gym, as well as the ring.

This time, he’s preparing to face Mario Barrios, the 29-year-old WBC welterweight champion, on July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas. Barrios is not only younger and fresher but also riding a wave of momentum, having recently picked up dominant wins with his height, pressure-fighting style, and solid jab. This isn’t just a comeback; it’s a race against time. “🚨 Return of the Legend!” the caption on the clip read, “First Footage of Manny Pacquiao training for his professional boxing comeback has been released.”

In the video, Manny Pacquiao—dressed in a blue economy t-shirt and black track pants—throws a few combinations on the heavy bag, swirling between exchanges and moving around the floor with possibly the same nostalgic enthusiasm. Another clip also showed him working on a speedball. But for a sharp boxing eye, the clip raises a couple of red flags.

His hand speed, once unmatched, appears to have dulled. His footwork seemed flat and reactive rather than fluid and dynamic. And he looked tired only after a couple of powerful punches. After his retirement in 2021, followed by a lengthy stint as a Philippine senator and an unsuccessful presidential bid, Pacquiao’s once-electric physicality looks alarmingly sluggish now.

That might be the reason why, as soon as the clip was shared online, viewers expressed their concern for Manny Pacquiao’s boxing return at 46.

Why now? Fans ask Manny Pacquiao to ‘stay retired’

This viewer kept it technical and direct: “Gotta keep the hands up lil man,” they wrote, highlighting a basic boxing critique. Pacquiao’s low guard, a risky habit even in his prime, now looks outright dangerous with slower reflexes. It’s the kind of flaw that seasoned boxers can exploit—especially if you’re fighting younger, sharper opponents like Mario Barrios.

Another fan didn’t mince words: “Stay retired, hate watching these old men come bk and get beat by clowns.” It’s a sentiment grounded not in disrespect, but in concern. Many fans struggle watching their heroes step back into a game that no longer moves at their pace. For them, retirement isn’t just a personal choice—it’s a respectful curtain call.

Then came a comment that struck a nerve in a different way: “Fighting at 50? Did he waste his 400 million?” It’s not an uncommon question when athletes re-emerge after a highly publicized exit. While there’s no confirmed evidence of financial distress in Manny Pacquiao’s case, such remarks reflect broader skepticism around longevity in sports.

But the most biting reaction came from a user who drew parallels with another aging legend: “Mike Tyson looked good in training too, time is still undefeated it’s over.” It’s a sentiment many boxing fans can relate to. Before the Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, it initially seemed like “The Baddest Man on the Planet” was back in frightening form. Training clips showed Tyson hitting pads with ferocity, speed, and that trademark explosiveness—too much, it seemed, for the brash and untested Jake Paul to handle. But when fight night arrived, it told a different story. The sharpness seen in the gym didn’t quite translate in the ring. Age had crept in. That comment, now aimed at Pacquiao, carries a warning hidden in nostalgia; training footage is one thing, but facing a relentless, live opponent like Barrios for over 36 minutes is something else entirely.

Finally, there was one particularly sobering take: “Sad they all screw up like this.” It’s a comment that possibly echoes the legacy of fighters before Manny Pacquiao—Ali, Holyfield, Jones Jr., whose comebacks didn’t go as hoped. For this fan, the regret isn’t just personal—it’s historical.

But amidst the doubt and criticism, a flicker of support still shone through. One fan wrote: “Let’s gooo Pac-Man 🔥🔥🔥. More likely Barrios probably will brutally stop the legend though. But power is the last thing to go, and manny got that still. Hope he knocks out Barrios 🥊.” There’s a kind of reluctant belief in that message, rooted in realism, but still hoping for one final moment of glory. They’re not expecting magic, but they’re not ruling it out either.

Manny Pacquiao has defied expectations before—rising through eight weight classes, conquering eras, and outpacing time itself. But boxing is a sport that rarely grants fairy-tale endings. Against a younger, sharper Mario Barrios, the challenge isn’t just physical—it’s generational.

The question now is simple, yet weighty: Does Pacquiao have one last storm left in him?