Supporting Manny Pacquiao’s Return at 46, WBC President Claps Back at Critics With a Powerful Statement

BySurya Jain

May 16, 2025 | 1:45 AM IT

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“Get in the bin.” That’s how former British boxer and analyst Dave Coldwell opened his fiery critique of the World Boxing Council’s decision to greenlight Manny Pacquiao’s return to the ring for a title fight. In a blunt post on X, Coldwell slammed the WBC’s sanction of a world title fight for the former eight-division world champion, stating, “This is disgraceful from @WBCBoxing—4 years retired. 6 years since his last win, how the hell does that qualify for a World Title shot?”

Coldwell’s reaction reflects a broader chorus of concern. After all, we’re not talking about a low-stakes exhibition—this is the WBC welterweight title bout, with Manny Pacquiao, 46, set to face the 29-year-old champion Mario Barrios on July 20th in Las Vegas. The boxing world has seen comebacks before, but rarely with such a wide age gap and such high stakes.

In defense, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman didn’t hold back. Referencing a legendary comeback, Sulaiman shot right back, “Remember Sugar Ray Leonard? My father Jose Sulaiman and the WBC were criticized for making his fight vs Hagler. Manny Pacquiao has been licensed by Nevada and passed all medicals and as legendary WBC champion has been approved to fight by our organization. Let’s talk July 20.”

It’s a fair parallel from the WBC president. Sugar Ray Leonard came back from retirement at 31 and famously defeated Marvin Hagler, who was 32 at the time and world champion. That 1987 bout, though initially questioned, became the stuff of legend. But there’s an elephant in the ring this time—the 17-year age gap between Pacquiao and Barrios. And that’s precisely where critics draw the line.

While Mauricio Sulaiman’s analogy to Leonard’s return is historically rooted, it doesn’t fully account for the physical realities of age. Leonard returned in his early 30s, still close to a boxer’s prime. Manny Pacquiao, on the other hand, is attempting to reclaim glory at an age when most fighters have long hung up their gloves—or are hosting commentaries. The concern isn’t about licensing—it’s about the legitimacy and safety of throwing a legend into a championship bout against a much younger, active fighter.

That’s not to question the Filipino icon’s heart, legacy, or determination. Arguably one of the greatest professional boxers to ever grace the sport, Manny Pacquiao has consistently defied expectations. But even legends are mortal, and while fans respect the hustle, many question whether this return is worth the risk—or the title shot. So, what does PacMan himself think?

Why Manny Pacquiao feels he isn’t done yet

What’s your perspective on:

Is Manny Pacquiao’s return a legendary move or a risky gamble against a younger champion?

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At 46, Manny Pacquiao isn’t just chasing a belt—he’s chasing a legacy-defining finale. This isn’t about proving something to the world; it’s about finishing the story his way. After decades of defying odds, PacMan wants to close the curtain with the same force he entered with—a WBC belt wrapped around his waist.

From flyweight to welterweight, the Filipino icon has done it all. But there’s something poetic—and personal—about retiring as a WBC champion, the organization where his title journey began. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman revealed that very motivation, stating, “Manny Pacquiao’s first title was flyweight WBC, and he wants to retire as WBC champion.”

And while age and time have softened many fighters, Manny Pacquiao insists he’s far from finished. As he told ESPN last year, “I made history at 40 beating Keith Thurman, and I feel at 45, I have a lot left in the game.” He also added, “I want to go out making history.” With little punishment absorbed in recent years and a heart that beats for boxing, he’s betting on one last miracle.

So, why now? Because for some fighters, retirement isn’t the end—it’s just another round. And this one might be the most meaningful for him yet.