Manny Pacquiao Defies Age, Ignites Debate with Controversial Draw at 46
The remarkable return of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao continues to captivate the sports world, as the 46-year-old Filipino icon delivered a performance against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios that sparked controversy and reignited discussions about age and athletic longevity. Pacquiao’s showing on July 20, despite failing to secure the title, has been hailed as a testament to dedication and a challenge to conventional limits in a sport often defined by youth and power.
A Performance Ripe with Controversy
The bout against the 30-year-old Barrios was closely contested, resulting in a split decision. One judge scored the fight in favor of Barrios, 115-113, while the other two judges scored it a draw at 113-113. However, several prominent media outlets and former champions disagreed with the outcome, arguing that Pacquiao had done enough to earn the victory. The British Guardian scored the fight 115-113 for Pacquiao, and US martial arts media outlet ‘Unk Rounded’ went even further, scoring it 116-113 in his favor. Yahoo Sports reported that Pacquiao was “robbed of a historic victory,” and former lightweight world champion George Cambosos of Australia stated, “I think Pacquiao won. There will be no fighters like Pacquiao.” Pacquiao himself confidently echoed this sentiment, saying, “I thought I won.”
Defying the Odds and Expectations
Heading into the fight, nearly all sports betting favored Barrios, a champion in his prime. Pacquiao had been away from the ring for four years, returning after a failed bid for the Philippine Senate. Despite being significantly smaller in height (166cm vs. 180cm) and reach (170cm vs. 183cm), Pacquiao demonstrated a level of fitness and skill that surprised many observers. He showcased his signature punch power, stamina, and footwork, proving he was in better shape than during his 2021 return.
Remarkably, Pacquiao prepared for the fight with only two months of training, a significantly shorter period than his usual four-month camp. “I usually train for four months before a fight. Even if I can’t do it, I have to do it for three and a half months. But this time it was only two months,” Pacquiao revealed after the match.
A Legacy Beyond the Ring
Pacquiao’s return to boxing comes after a notable foray into politics, where he ran for the Philippine presidency in 2022, securing a third-place finish. Despite failing to secure the presidency and a recent Senate bid, he remains a national hero in the Philippines. His dedication to the sport, even at 46, is inspiring fans and challenging perceptions of aging in athletics.
Future Fights and a Potential Rematch with Mayweather
Pacquiao has indicated his intention to continue boxing, with plans for a second fight this year. Potential opponents include Jipvanta Davis and Rolando Romero, but the possibility of a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, who defeated Pacquiao in 2015 in a fight dubbed “the century,” is also being discussed. Pacquiao’s manager, Sean Basic, stated, “Mani deserves a bigger opponent.” Pacquiao reportedly earned $5 million for his recent fight, while Mayweather earned an estimated $200 billion during their 2015 encounter.
A Trend of Veteran Athletes
Pacquiao’s success is part of a broader trend of veteran athletes continuing to compete at a high level. Former heavyweight champion Vladimir Klitschko broke George Foreman’s record as the oldest heavyweight champion at age 49. Ollec Sandr Works, a heavyweight champion in the UK, recently remarked that 38 years old is “a very young age” in the current sporting landscape. Hwang Hyun-cheol, the leader of KBM, Korea’s largest professional boxing organization, noted that the organization has expanded its athlete registration age to 50, reflecting a global trend of accelerated aging in boxing.
The Science of Defying Age
A recent article in Fox Sports highlighted Pacquiao’s intense training regimen, reporting that he is undertaking 36 rounds of training daily, mirroring his routines from his younger years. This dedication, coupled with advancements in sports science and an increasing average life expectancy, is allowing athletes to extend their careers and challenge the boundaries of age. As Pacquiao himself stated, “Don’t be afraid of age. You can tell the message to the whole body.” His story serves as an inspiration, suggesting that dedication and rigorous training can help individuals overcome age-related limitations, not just in sports, but in all aspects of life.
