The boxing world is buzzing with anticipation as Manny Pacquiao prepares for his shocking return to the ring at 46, set to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19, 2025, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Amid this excitement, a fresh perspective has emerged from an unexpected source: Amir Tyson, son of legendary heavyweight Mike Tyson, who recently shared intriguing insights into the ongoing saga surrounding Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his storied rivalry with Pacquiao. Amir’s comments, paired with recent developments in the sport, have reignited discussions about one of boxing’s most lucrative and controversial feuds, which has spanned nearly two decades.

Amir Tyson, in a recent Instagram story posted on June 13, 2025, commented on a video of Pacquiao’s training session, expressing both admiration and concern for the Filipino icon. He described Pacquiao’s preparation as “crazy,” noting, “I’ve never seen that kind of discipline at his age.” His remarks, reported by Marca, highlight the intense regimen Pacquiao has undertaken, including grueling conditioning runs at Griffith Park in Los Angeles, where he’s been joined by fellow fighters like Teofimo Lopez and Cris Cyborg, as well as aspiring boxers and fans. Amir’s awe at Pacquiao’s work ethic underscores the Filipino’s determination to defy the odds against the younger, formidable Barrios, who enters the bout as the odds-on favorite at 1-3 (-300).

The mention of Mayweather in Amir’s comments ties back to the infamous 2015 “Fight of the Century,” where Mayweather defeated Pacquiao in a unanimous decision that disappointed many fans due to its lack of action. Pacquiao later revealed he fought with a shoulder injury, a point he considers his biggest career regret, as he did not postpone the bout. The fight, which sold 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and remains the highest-grossing boxing event in history, has fueled speculation about a potential rematch ever since. Pacquiao has recently reignited this narrative, accusing Mayweather of being “scared to death” to face him again, as reported by Marca on July 9, 2025. “He’s making excuses,” Pacquiao said, suggesting Mayweather’s reluctance stems from fear rather than retirement.

Mayweather, now 48 and retired from professional boxing since 2017 with an impeccable 50-0 record, has kept himself in peak physical condition, as evidenced by his recent high-profile exhibition bouts against Logan Paul and others. His activities outside the ring, including a daring Honduran jungle expedition in July 2025, demonstrate his continued appetite for challenges. However, the boxing legend has remained silent on Pacquiao’s taunts, focusing instead on his real estate ventures in New York and other business pursuits. Sources close to Mayweather, cited by Marca, emphasize his drive to diversify his portfolio beyond boxing’s hefty earnings, which have exceeded $100 million from exhibitions since his retirement.

The feud between Pacquiao and Mayweather has also drawn commentary from other boxing figures, notably Roy Jones Jr., who recently called out Mayweather to settle their own war of words. Jones, who retired in 2018, criticized Mayweather’s legacy by comparing him unfavorably to Sugar Ray Leonard, sparking a heated exchange. Pacquiao, when asked about Jones’ remarks, took a diplomatic stance, saying, “I don’t like to compare accomplishments,” as reported by EssentiallySports on July 10, 2025. His focus remains on inspiring fans rather than fueling rivalries, though his upcoming fight with Barrios has drawn parallels to other aging champions’ comebacks, including Mike Tyson’s controversial bout against Jake Paul in November 2024.

Amir Tyson’s concerns about Pacquiao’s safety echo broader sentiments in the boxing community, with comparisons to Mike Tyson’s recent loss to Paul and Ricky Hatton’s announced comeback at 46. Keith Thurman, who faced both Pacquiao and Barrios, believes Pacquiao’s experience could exploit Barrios’ defensive weaknesses, as noted in a July 4, 2025, FightHype interview. However, Thurman ultimately predicted Barrios’ jab might tire Pacquiao out, highlighting the risks of the Filipino’s return after a four-year hiatus.

As July 19 approaches, Pacquiao’s training footage, showcasing his speed and resilience, has silenced some doubters, with Tyson Fury praising him as “a legend at 40!” on Instagram. Whether Pacquiao can pull off an upset against Barrios and potentially lure Mayweather back for a rematch remains uncertain, but the boxing world is watching closely, captivated by the enduring drama of this 20-year feud.