Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios throughout their Los Angeles press tour. | Ring Journal photograph
CEBU CITY, Philippines — As Manny Pacquiao prepares for a grand comeback towards WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas, questions loom as giant because the highlight he’s stepping again into.
Many boxing followers are asking if Pacquiao nonetheless has one thing to show or is that this his final dance from a legendary boxing profession? Is Pacquiao’s comeback obligatory? Or ought to he stay retired and benefit from the fruits of his labor.
To seek out solutions, CDN Digital reached out to 4 of Cebu’s most revered voices in boxing. Their insights reveal a mixture of concern, admiration, and reasonable analysis in regards to the 45-year-old former senator’s motives, bodily readiness, and what this return really means.
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Edward Ligas, worldwide boxing coach
WBO worldwide boxing choose Edward Ligas, who has officiated numerous marquee fights overseas, believes the Pacman nonetheless has the instruments to tug off a win, however he’s not satisfied Pacquiao’s comeback is nearly competitors.
“I suppose Pacman has an excellent likelihood of beating the WBC Champ Mario Barrios. It appears Pacquiao is craving to combat as now we have seen on his coaching,” stated Ligas.
“He has nonetheless the velocity and energy aside from the footwork fairly gradual possibly coz he has simply began. After two consecutive losses in his political profession, he needed to point out his followers that he nonetheless what it takes in boxing. Siguro ang frustration niya sa resulta sa election diin naparot siya adto niya ibuhos. The opposite issue the cash, now in boxing large cash is straightforward and Pacman continues to be marketable due to his title.
Ligas acknowledged Pacquiao’s velocity and energy stay spectacular, however famous that his footwork has slowed, presumably from age or ring rust. His greater concern? Pacquiao’s well being.
“He has nothing left to show. He ought to think about retiring for good.”
At first look, Barrios doesn’t strike concern the best way Pacquiao’s former opponents did. However the 29-year-old is taller, naturally heavier, and lively. That might spell bother for a fighter coming back from years of inactivity.
Edito Villamor, former boxer now coach
Veteran coach and matchmaker Edito Villamor of Villamor Boxing Gymnasium says Pacquiao’s southpaw stance, expertise, and psychological toughness nonetheless depend for one thing.
“Nindot man iyahang pagbalik, kay iyahang preparation sa United States kay greater than two months. So, nindot iyahang acclimatization didto ug bilib gyud ko sa iyahang mindset, bisan pila ka years siya nawala sa boxing, naa gihapon iyahang mindset nga pirming determinado,” stated Villamor.
He warned, nonetheless, that for Pacquiao’s comeback, he should be careful for Barrios’ straight punches—particularly if his timing is off. Nonetheless, Villamor was fast to push again towards naysayers.
“Detrimental kaayo ang feedback sa mga taw, daghan ga ingon nga dili siya kadaog, sauna pa sige sila ug ingon dili kadaog ni Dela Hoya, di gyud nimo matag-an si Pacquiao, grabe gyud siya. Iyaha gyud mindset,” stated Villamor.
Julius Erving Junco, chief boxing coach
Julius Erving Junco, Omega Boxing Gymnasium’s chief coach, sees the scenario in a different way. “If it have been as much as me, I wouldn’t let Pacquiao return,” he stated bluntly. “The chance to his well being is actual.”
Junco cited Pacquiao’s age and lengthy layoff from boxing—spending latest years in politics and out of the health club—as main disadvantages. He offers the boxing legend solely a forty five% likelihood of successful.
“He’s not been within the health club like different retired boxers. That impacts conditioning, reflexes, every thing.”
Nonetheless, Junco acknowledges the instance of Bernard Hopkins, who received a world title at 50. “It’s not unattainable. Simply extremely dangerous.”
Roger Justine Potot, power and conditioning coach
Roger Justine Potot, power and conditioning coach of ARQ Sports activities, is wanting on the combat by way of a physiological lens. He says Pacquiao can not depend on brute energy or youthful velocity.
“He must prioritize practical power—actions that translate into boxing effectivity,” Potot defined.
“It’s not about lifting heavy anymore. It’s about how briskly he can transfer, react, and recuperate.”
Potot flagged the neurological risks Pacquiao faces.
“Slower response occasions improve the chance of getting hit clear. At this stage, the probabilities of long-term mind accidents like CTE go up dramatically,” Potot defined.
Presently, Pacquiao is coaching in Los Angeles, California, whereas spending time along with his press tour to advertise this combat. Many have seen to see acquainted previous faces when he wreaked havoc in boxing to turn out to be its solely eight-division world champion. This brings optimism that he can channel the previous Pacman on this stage of his profession at 46 years previous.
He might have what it takes to win, however the dangers are increased than ever, elevating curiosity and concern amongst boxing followers and consultants alike.
Like a lot of his previous fights, Pacquiao’s comeback is as fascinating as it’s intriguing.
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