Pacquiao Risks Legacy with Ring Return at 46

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Manny Pacquiao made his long-awaited return to boxing over the weekend, stepping back into the ring after a four-year retirement. The 46-year-old former world champion faced American fighter Mario Barrios in Las Vegas, but the bout ended in a majority draw, leaving Pacquiao short of reclaiming the welterweight title and breaking his own record as the oldest champion in the division.

Though Pacquiao’s name still carries weight in the sport, the atmosphere around his comeback was noticeably subdued compared to the glory days of his career. Once a guaranteed headline-grabber and celebrity magnet, this latest appearance attracted far less buzz. Boxing Hall of Fame broadcaster Jim Lampley offered a blunt assessment before the fight, noting Pacquiao’s age and time away from the sport and questioning the fight’s significance.

Despite the odds and his opponent being 16 years younger, Pacquiao put in a strong performance. He appeared to control much of the action until Barrios found momentum in the later rounds. After the fight, Pacquiao remained defiant and signaled his intention to keep fighting.

Pacquiao is the latest in a line of aging boxing legends who have returned to the ring long after their prime. Last year, Mike Tyson returned at 58 for a highly publicized bout with Jake Paul. The pattern is familiar to many in the sport and reflects the deep psychological pull of competition. Lampley recalled a conversation with Sugar Ray Leonard, who explained the emotional addiction fighters face when leaving the ring behind.

The comeback also reignites concerns about long-term health risks. Dr. Robert Cantu of the Concussion Legacy Foundation warned about the dangers of repeated blows to the head in older athletes. He noted that by age 40, the brain has already begun to lose neural cells, making additional trauma more dangerous and increasing the risk of conditions such as dementia.

While Pacquiao’s name still draws interest and potential paydays, questions remain about whether such fights help or hurt the sport. For fans and experts alike, his return is a mix of admiration and concern as boxing once again confronts the fine line between glory and danger.