30-06-2025
Manny Pacquiao Releases Training Footage, Leaving Boxing Fans Worried
Manny Pacquiao Releases Training Footage, Leaving Boxing Fans Worried originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Returning to professional sports after retirement is a monumental task, particularly in boxing, where age, reflexes, and durability are tested. The boxing world has seen legends attempt comebacks with mixed results. Most recently, Mike Tyson's exhibition fight with Jake Paul was a difficult watch, as the now 58-year-old boxer looked a shell of his former self. The journey back to peak form for retired fighters is nearly impossible, and questions remain whether the competitive fire still burns as brightly, or if "Father Time" will always remain undefeated.
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For Manny Pacquiao, the challenge is even steeper. At 46, he's not just fighting a younger, more dangerous opponent in WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19, but also the narrative that his best days are behind him.
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Today, Pacquiao held an open media workout at Hollywood's Wild Card Gym, a familiar gym where he once honed the skills that made him an eight-division champion. Clips shared online showed flashes of his trademark hand speed, with sharp combinations on the mitts. Yet, the footage also revealed a fighter visibly slower than in his prime, his movements lacking the explosive precision he became famous for.
Here is a video of the media workout, courtesy of the YouTube channel ESNEWS:
While a post on Ring Magazine's X account praised his conditioning, with the caption, 'Manny Pacquiao looking sharp in training at his media workout earlier today. Will the legend defeat Mario Barrios in July?'
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Reactions to the post were less charitable, with fans noting the stark contrast between prime Pacman and the current-day boxer:
'I don't think he should be fighting. But I ride or die with Pac.'
'Doing a whole lot of Media training, hope he's getting properly ready.'
'Just hang the gloves up, Manny.'
'I'd look sharp punching thin air.'
'So did Mike Tyson… lol.'
'Washed.'
Pacquiao's last professional fight, a loss to Yordenis Ugas, was proof that time had eroded his edge. During his retirement, he competed in exhibition fights: one against Korean YouTube influencer DK Yoo and another against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo.
Barrios, on the other hand, boasts a 6-foot frame, a 70-inch reach, and has fought five fights during Pacquiao's hiatus. Pacquiao may look in decent shape for these media workouts, but fans remain unconvinced.
Come July 19, the world will learn if Pacquiao can turn back time and prove his doubters wrong, or if time, as it does for all fighters, has finally caught up to him.
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Related: Former Mike Tyson Coach Praises Junto Nakatani's Versatility: 'Fights Like Joe Frazier and Jake LaMotta'
Related: Boxing World Slams Keyshawn Davis for Weight Miss and Altercation: "Behave Like a Champion!"
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.