Moment of truth

COMMENTARY

Destiny. History. Ignominy. 

Which of the fates will descend upon the desert of Las Vegas as Filipino boxing icon Manny Paquiao tries to defy the god of boxing in his highly hyped comeback against Mario Barrios of Mexico next week. 

Never has a return to the brutal sport has so fired up the fans than Pacquiao‘s expected hell-for-leather comeback fight against Barrios, the reigning WBC welterweight champ at the MGM Grand Hotel on July 19.

The eight-division Pinoy world titlist’s video of his workout has gone viral online showing Pacquiao training in earnest, showing some residue of the zest and vigor of his fights at his prime.

Now he is gunning for a record ninth crown and feeling he has reached tremendous form in workout.

Despite the odds stacked formidably against him, he remains upbeat he could overcome Barrios’ edge in height and age in the 12-round showdown.

“I’m in good shape and the fans will be in for a big surprise,” said the 46-year-old Pacquiao.

Can he pull off history’s biggest comeback against a rival who relishes the thought of humiliating a legend like Pacquiao?

The 26-year-old Barrios has stayed away from the glare of social media and ignored the pre-fight endorsement for Pacquiao by some of boxing’s all-time stars like Oscar Dela Hoya and Canelo Alvarez.

“I am ready to defend my title. He’s not going to feel sorry for me,“ said Barrios.

The Mexican would draw inspiration from his decisive victory over Yordenis Ugas of Cuba whom he knocked down twice in their title fight in September 2023.

The Cuban outfought and outslugged Pacquiao in their showdown in August 2021 that led to the Filipino boxing icon decision to retire from the ring. 

But the lure of the brutal sport is like a ghost that haunts Pacquiao after four years in retirement and the man that gave the nation great honor the past 20 years heeded the call for a comeback.

There are misgivings about the wisdom of a comeback. Does he still carry that fire within, the killer blows that silenced many a foe in the past, and the will and courage to endure the punishment a young rival will dish out that fateful night? 

It’s thriller of a comeback for sure and we would lean back and watch and await what’s written in the stars.