WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has addressed the backlash surrounding Manny Pacquiao`s proposed return to the ring against Mario Barrios, defending the organization`s decision to sanction the controversial welterweight contest.
Reports indicate that the pair are set to clash for Barrios` WBC world title on July 19, headlining a Premier Boxing Champions card scheduled to air on Amazon Prime. The event is also expected to feature a highly anticipated rematch on the undercard between WBC world super-welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu.
However, the primary focus and subject of intense debate remain the comeback of the 46-year-old, eight-division world champion, Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao`s last professional fight occurred in August 2021, resulting in a unanimous decision defeat to Yordenis Ugas. This followed his previous victories over Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman.
Since his loss to Ugas, Pacquiao has predominantly concentrated on his political career in the Philippines, a pursuit that reportedly involved significant personal expenditure.
Last year, `Pac Man` participated in an exhibition bout against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo. In that outing, many observers felt that his age was noticeably apparent in his performance.
Despite his extended absence from professional competition and visible signs of aging in his exhibition, Sulaiman has given the green light for Pacquiao to challenge Barrios.
When questioned about this decision by British trainer Dave Coldwell, the head of the WBC offered his justification on social media.
Writing on platform X, Sulaiman drew a parallel to a past event: “Remember [Sugar Ray Leonard]? My father Jose Sulaiman and the WBC were criticized for making his fight vs [Marvin] Hagler.” He further stated concerning Pacquiao: “[Pacquiao] has been licensed by [the Nevada State Athletic Commission] and [has] passed all medicals and as legendary WBC champion has been approved to fight by our [organisation]. Let’s talk [on] July 20.”
It is important to note the distinction in Sulaiman`s comparison: Sugar Ray Leonard was in his early 30s when he returned from a three-year layoff to face Hagler. Manny Pacquiao, conversely, will be 46 for his upcoming bout. While Leonard did move up two weight divisions for that fight, the safety concerns surrounding Pacquiao`s return at his advanced age remain a significant and plausible worry for many in the boxing community.
