Eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao is back in the grind at Wild Card Gym.
The world’s only eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao is back in the ring this week like he never left as he works towards making a comeback to the professional ranks.
Pacquiao, 45, added fuel to the fire of a potential comeback fight against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios with his training session, which was under the guidance of long-time trainer Freddie Roach and corner man Buboy Fernandez.
According to Fernandez, the former Senator still got it after undergoing a full-scale skills and fitness assessment at the famed Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.
“He’s not just in shape — he’s still sharp. Today was about seeing where we’re starting from. And frankly, we’re not far off,” he said of Pacquiao’s fitness.
Pacquiao last fought professionally in 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas for the WBA (Super) welterweight title.
“This baseline is just the beginning. We’ll adjust the program depending on Manny’s direction,” added Fernandez.
Since 2021, Pacquiao has been dipping his toes in exhibition matches, but is proving eager for a legitimate return to the pro ranks this year, with Barrios proving to be a dangerous opponent.
For Pacquiao, who recently lost in the midterm elections after running for Senator, said that boxing continued to be in his heart even as he served the country as a politician.
“This is just the start. We’re testing everything. My body, my timing, my power. Everything will be aligned, and I never stopped loving this sport," said Pacquiao.