Fans think Manny Pacquiao will be stopped by Mario Barrios having seen the legend’s return to the gym.
Pacquiao has extraordinarily announced his return in a world title fight at the age of 46 against WBC welterweight champion Barrios on July 19.
He recently posted some short workout footage with the boxing fraternity showing some concern over his physical conditioning.
But ‘Pac Man’ has now returned to his training base in Los Angeles, where he will work with renowned coach Freddie Roach.
He flaunted his skills in a ‘baseline session’ where he shadow boxed with real speed, still possessing an element of his sensational technical ability.
Pacquiao also worked the pads with Roach and tried to get his hands going with some crisp shots.
But fans are convinced he will suffer a KO defeat given Barrios is the younger and fresher.
One wrote: “Can’t believe we’re going to live in a world where Mario Barrios is going to potentially stop Manny Pacquiao.”
Another agreed: “Lord have mercy Barrios is actually going to stop him.”
A user added: “Pacquiao shouldn’t have taken that fight at all. Barrios by stoppage.”
Others were more excited, with one writing: “It’s amazing we get to see Pacquiao come back again, can’t wait.”
But a final fan took a swipe at the whole event, concluding: “This is f***ing horrible. The commission should be ashamed of itself sanctioning this freak show.
“We don’t need this trash. Barrios needs to fight his highest rated contender, not a nearly 50-year-old retiree.”
Clearly many are unhappy and worried with Pacquiao’s decision, but he intends to still follow through with his ambitious plan.
Many of the fears have arisen from his last fight, where he was battered in an exhibition by Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo.
Pacquiao looked a shadow of his former self in the ring.
And given he hasn’t boxed professionally since losing to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, he is likely to be an overwhelming underdog.
Nonetheless the title challenge has received the backing of the WBC, who have incredibly placed him at No.5 in the welterweight rankings.
It is a decision that has attracted huge criticism including from Frank Warren, who isn’t sure it’s what the sport should be encouraging.
He told talkSPORT: “You come in and test the waters, going straight into a world title fight, I don’t understand that.
“For me it doesn’t sit well with me for the sport. I’ve got to be honest, I don’t agree with it.
“And the facts are it doesn’t do the business or the sport any good.”
