Pacquiao’s return: Legacy risk for boxing legend, WBC sanctions questioned

The news spread that Manny Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 COs) will fight against Mario Barrios (29-2-1, 18 COs) against Barrios’ WBC Welterweight Belt. Many commentators are upset because Pacquiao, in addition to his current age, arrives four years of inactivity, after losing Ugas in 2021. One of the overarching narratives was that Pacquiao essentially struck and younger, more active battles that were on a title were on a title.

Although it is somewhat true, it is difficult to argue that, according to his achievements, Manny has not earned the right to show up on his own for a title. During his prime years, he served the sport honestly, which delivered exciting, action -packed fights and brought fans from all over the world to boxing. Pacquiao was a walking highlight before the Saudi money, Dazn or the fixation on unbeaten records. He proved that he could postpone Father Time’s time and time again, and that he always fought to the best of his ability in every fight, which was sometimes knocked out in the pursuit of his opponent.

Pacquiao’s risky return

The other, more valid argument is that Pacquiao is risking his health by fighting at the advanced age of 46. In his younger days, Pacquiao had enough endurance to prevent him from being caught by strings of clean bumps for a full championship fight. Using a mixture of footwork to arrive in and out and a solid guard, he takes the shock out of many of the shots on the way. He would also set fire to his opponents’ combinations. In his recent fighting against Thurman and Ugas, Pacquiao’s head was repeatedly cut back because of his inability to tire the shots, his legs and his failure to place distance between him and his opponent. As a cultural phenomenon, it would be a shame to see Pacquiao permanent damage as soon as his career finally ends if he hasn’t done it yet. As a boxing legend, he would be another example of what happens if a fighter exceeds their welcome. The time will see what effect his many wars have on his brain, but it seems that it would be in his best interest to hang the gloves and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

It is interesting that the WBC defends this attack sanction and its decision to do so. For years, Mauricio Sulaiman has objected to women who fight three minutes and twelve round championships on the grounds that they can risk permanent brain injury, which is a risk that every boxer accepts as they walk into the ring. A bolt where one fighter approaches 50, while the other is still in their lead, looks like a more dramatic safety risk than two women with a similar ability to compete. If you prohibit women from taking the most basic risk in boxing (being knocked out) while freakshow fights like this are sanctioned by your organization send a clear message. Sulaiman stands in the way of women’s greatness.

Barrios: The weaker champion?

Granted, Barrios is the least dangerous champion at 147 pounds, but Pacquiao still takes a great risk by depending on his 46-year-old body worn to carry him to victory. Although Pacquiao probably still has freakish Seavy Hands, the decisive factor will be on the stretch. Barrios is no power puncher, but if he can weather the early stages of the fight, he may be able to grind a victory over the elderly legend.

The purpose of this match is to serve Pacquiao’s legacy. He is aimed at the perceived weakest champion in his weight class and hopes to make history by breaking his record that he is the oldest welterweight champion. But at 46, how much more should he offer?

We will undoubtedly see flashes of the greatness of PAC man as the night dawns-a few jumps in with uncomfortable angles. A display of his will, which was only broken once, made him unconscious. He will be gracious in the victory or defeat. But when the events of the evening are transcribed in countless articles over the Internet, it will be far from the stories told during his years of killing samples and giants, impossible combinations and reaffirm that heroes are not products of promotion, but are created by the circumstances they endure and the stories we tell.