Why a comeback?

MANILA, Philippines — Like the air he breathes, it becomes second nature to the man.

Having fought for close to four decades Manny  Pacquiao, the Filipino boxing idol, needs to return to the ring and feed the hunger and passion he has known all his life as he seeks another crown against World Boxing Council welterweight champ Mario Barrios of Mexico.

What’s in old fighters that they could not stay retired or still the restlessness within and hanker for one last fight – a farewell match, a mano-a- mano, a gut-wrenching final test of will, courage and heart?

Pacquiao simply misses the life that  brought him fame, wealth and worldwide adulation which were lost when he entered the sphere of politics.

He yearns for a return to the regimen fighters take  as they prepare for a fight – the early morning road work, honing his skills atop the ring, and sparring with buddies  – all the components needed to prevail in one of the most cruel of all combat sports .They  even miss the  smell of linement in the gym.

”I’m not done yet; the  fans are in for a surprise,“ he said.

The eight-division world champ, who has  been the nation’s source of pride and joy for  decades, will enhance his legacy this weekend  by being installed in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

But so much is at stake as the 46-year-old Filipino icon bids for a magnificent comeback against a durable Mexican champ  14 years his junior.

And there are questions about the wisdom of a comeback after a lull of four years against a fighter at the peak of his career.

Does he still brandish the killer blows that have silenced an array  of tough opponents that made one of the greatest fighters of all time?

Or time has caught up with the mercurial slugger from the south who has given us the finest moments in the world  of prizefight?