Sugar Ray Leonard Believes Manny Pacquiao Will Come Again Stronger Vs. Mario Barrios

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is formally again within the ring at 46 years outdated, and whereas naysayers are ringing the alarm bells about his age and layoff, one different legend just isn’t involved within the least—Sugar Ray Leonard wholeheartedly helps Pacquiao’s return to motion.

The eight-division world champion will battle WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 on the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Since 2021, we have not seen any shadow from the pound-for-pound king.

As a matter of reality, his loss to Yordenis Ugas through unanimous resolution had satisfied followers that “father time” was catching up with Pacquiao. Now, three years later, the boxing group is split. Some followers are euphoric, whereas others are apprehensive.

Pacquiao’s Return to the Ring After Hiatus

Pacquiao has been gone from the ring for the previous a number of years, too busy operating as a senator within the Philippines and getting ready for his presidential marketing campaign. According to TMZ Sports, his prolonged time without work, plus the 16-year age hole between him and Barrios, might simply persuade boxing viewers that he would not stand an opportunity in opposition to the youthful and faster Mexican.

But to Sugar Ray Leonard, these questions are nothing, and age is only a quantity.

Sugar Ray Leonard Advocates Pacquiao’s Choice

TMZ Sports spoke with Leonard, who notoriously got here again in his 40s, and the five-division world champion had no hesitation in endorsing Manny Pacquiao‘s comeback.

“There’s not one thing that will really make people understand why we do what we do. But, you know what, God bless, stay healthy, and take care.”

Leonard is aware of what it means to battle previous your prime. He got here out of a six-year retirement in 1997 to face Héctor Camacho at age 40, making him no stranger to defying expectations and critics.

Can Pacquiao Compete at 46?

Most specialists marvel if Pacquiao’s reflexes and quickness, as soon as among the many finest within the ring, can maintain up in opposition to youthful fighters. Barrios, who’s 30, is a potent, aggressive champion with energy and youth to his benefit. Nevertheless, Pacquiao’s ring IQ and expertise are unbeatable.

The Filipino southpaw has crushed age earlier than. At 40, he surprised the world by knocking out Keith Thurman to turn out to be the oldest welterweight champion in boxing historical past.

As for Chris Algieri through Sports Illustrated, Pacquiao is the perfect fighter he has ever fought. The former kickboxer added that Pacman can win regardless that the percentages are stacked in opposition to him.

In one other report by Yardbarker, Pacquiao’s longtime head coach, Freddie Roach, stated he would not doubt Pacman’s potential to dominate the ring in opposition to Barrios.