MANNY PACQUIAO is set for a dramatic return to boxing at the age of 45. But many fans have been quick to plead that he reconsider.

The Filipino fighter hung up his gloves in 2021, but now looks ready to return to the ring to face Mario Barrios. Pacquiao is a multi-weight world champion and all round boxing icon, but the star is looking to get one more title before properly calling it a day.

The 45-year old is hoping to face Mario BarriosCredit: Getty

According to the president of Manny Pacquiao promotions, Sean Gibbons, the well respected southpaw wants to take on Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. Speaking to Sky Sports, Gibbons revealed: “Manny is looking at that option to fight Mario Barrios.

“He loves the idea of finishing his career by winning the WBC title. That was his first belt way back.

“So over the next 2 weeks, we are going to try to make the fight.”

The ‘PacMan’ is loved by so many boxing fans, but some seem concerned that it may be too late for a return to the ring for the retired pro. Pacquiao hasn’t fought since his unanimous defeat to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021, announcing his retirement the following month. And fans have warned that donning his gloves at 45 years old could be a mistake. On social media, on wrote: “Manny is my all time favourite. I don’t want to see this.”

While another added: “Manny is too old for this.”

A third posted: “Don’t do it Manny. These rarely end well”.

And a fourth chimed in: “I’m afraid Manny could get really hurt at this age.”

Pacquiao, who boasts a 62-8-2 record, would face a tough challenge in Barrios who has a 29-2-0 record himself. The Texas-born fighter, 29, has notably beaten Yordenis Ugas – the man who put an end to Pacquaio’s career. It had been rumoured earlier this year that Pacquaio would be returning to action to face Brit Conor Benn, with the pair even coming face to face at the Joshua vs Ngannou weigh-in.

Pacquiao’s five biggest fights

A glance at the PacMan’s five most memorable bouts throughout his career…

• vs Floyd Mayweather Jr (2015) – LOSS by unanimous decision
• vs Miguel Cotto (2009) – WIN by 12th round knockout
• vs Ricky Hatton (2009) – WIN by second round knockout
• vs Keith Thurman (2019) – WIN by split decision
• vs Juan Manuel Marquez IV (2012) – WIN by sixth round knockout

However that prospect seem to have now disappeared and a bout with Barrios seems to be the most likely fight. Paqcuaio himself has discussed the potential fight, saying: “I made history at 40 beating Keith Thurman.

“And I feel at 45, I have a lot left in the game as I haven’t taken a lot of punishment over the last few years. I want to make history.”

While Barrios has welcomed the idea. He added: “I’m very excited at the possibility of this fight being made.

“Manny Pacquiao is a future Hall of Famer, a legend and someone I looked up to growing up.

“To share the ring with him would be an honour and a dream come true.”