Pacquiao’s Comeback ‘Not Imminent’ for Title Fight

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao (45) revealed on Monday that he is in discussions for a possible return to the ring, though he cautioned that a potential world title bout against Mario Barrios is still “far away.” The Filipino multiple-world champion stepped away from boxing in 2021 to pursue an unsuccessful bid for his country’s presidency.

Pacquiao is set to face Japanese mixed martial artist Chihiro Suzuki in a three-round exhibition match next month in Saitama, north of Tokyo.

He confirmed ongoing talks about a WBC welterweight world title fight with American fighter Barrios but emphasized that nothing is finalized yet.

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“We’re still in negotiations and talking about it. The fight hasn’t been set,” Pacquiao stated in Tokyo, noting his history of hinting at comebacks.

“Those negotiations are ongoing. If it happens, it will be around November or December.

“There’s still much to discuss and finalize.”

Earlier this year, Pacquiao acknowledged the end of his hopes to compete in next month’s Paris Olympics after the International Olympic Committee denied a special request for his participation, citing their age limit of 40 for Olympic boxers.

Pacquiao retired shortly after a defeat to Cuban Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas, marking his final professional fight.

He then ran for the Philippine presidency but lost significantly in the May 2022 election.

In December 2022, Pacquiao returned for an exhibition match in Seoul against a South Korean YouTuber.

Pacquiao will face Suzuki on July 28 in a 68kg boxing match consisting of three rounds, each lasting three minutes, without judges’ decisions.

Pacquiao emphasized that the upcoming bout is “not an exhibition, this is a fight.”

“We’re aiming for a knockout in this match,” he asserted.

“There will be plenty of action in the ring, and I will do my utmost to secure a knockout victory.”