Manny Pacquiao lands a punch during his comeback stint against Mario Barrios in Las Vegas. Image: Getty Images.
(The Post News)– Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao made his long-awaited return to the ring over the weekend, stepping back into the spotlight after four years away. Now 46, the Filipino icon faced off against a much younger Mario Barrios in Las Vegas. While the bout ended in a majority draw, it reignited conversations around aging boxers and the price they pay for a final taste of glory.
Once the face of boxing, Pacquiao’s latest fight lacked the usual star-studded buzz. Hall of Fame commentator Jim Lampley noted that while Pacquiao’s name still carries weight, this bout didn’t. He pointed to Pacquiao’s age and long absence from the sport, questioning the value of such comebacks.
Still, Pacquiao impressed many with his grit and flashes of brilliance. He hinted that this was just the beginning of his second act, boldly declaring his journey isn’t over yet.
But as thrilling as it may be to see icons return, doctors like concussion expert Robert Cantu warn of the long-term dangers. As the brain naturally declines with age, repeated blows in the ring only worsen the risk, especially for fighters in their 40s.
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