Manny Pacquiao poses on the scale during a ceremonial weigh-in Friday, July 18, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
LAS VEGAS–Manny Pacquiao is officially making his ring return on Saturday four years after announcing his retirement from boxing.
His comeback drew mixed reactions. Others were concerned about the risks, considering Pacquiao’s advanced age of 46, while some were thrilled to see their hero back.
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Justin Fortune, Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach, saw it in a different sense.
“A lot of people want to see Pacquiao fight. Boxing needs Pacquiao. We need an exciting fighter,” said Fortune.
Pacquiao showed he’s still a big draw despite his long layoff with the sizeable crowd–mostly cheering for his name–came out to support his world title bid during Friday’s ceremonial weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
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“We don’t have a Tyson to revive boxing in the heavyweight division. And these divisions, the middles, the welters and lightweights they keep boxing going,” Fortune said.
“Boxing needs Pacquiao at the moment. We need an exciting fighter and that’s Manny.”
Pacquiao challenges WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Saturday with a victory further cementing his legacy as one of boxing’s greatest.
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