In many ways, Manny Pacquiao‘s return to the boxing ring is reminiscent of Mike Tyson‘s own comeback. Last year, nineteen years after his last professional fight, a 58-year-old Tyson stepped into the ring to face Jake Paul. By contrast, Pacquiao waited only four years before reconsidering a return to action. But in doing so, like Tyson, he now finds himself facing criticism from all corners. There is, however, a slight difference.
In Iron Mike’s case, the concerns primarily revolved around his health, which increased especially after his recent mid-flight medical emergency. With Pacquiao, it’s a more complex mix: concerns over his health, his physical form, and whether this comeback is necessary at all. Like Tyson, Pacquiao has already achieved nearly everything there is to accomplish in boxing. Maybe that’s why, to many, it feels like a futile attempt for a living legend to return and challenge a much younger opponent. Still, amidst the waves of concern, there are fans who remain genuinely excited about the upcoming July 19 bout between Pacquiao and Mario Barrios. One of them is Mike Tyson’s own son, Amir Tyson, who even shared his enthusiasm on Instagram.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios: Mike Tyson’s son is seriously looking forward to it
His message was clear. Watching Pacquiao train again is inspiring. Perhaps Amir Tyson, like many others, was swept up by the nostalgia of seeing an icon return to the ring. Sharing a clip from Ring Magazine that showed Pacquiao back in training, Iron Mike’s son wrote on the Instagram Story, “I’m amped to be at this fight.”
The clip, now widely circulated, shows Pacquiao training at Wild Card Boxing Club with longtime trainer Freddie Roach. With his hands tightly wrapped, the former world champion is seen working on footwork and movement before shifting into fast-paced shadowboxing. Under the watchful eyes of his young son and the rest of the staff and team, Pacquiao delivered a series of jabs and uppercuts. To many, the sequences may reignite memories of his trademark speed and intensity.
The fight in Las Vegas marks Pacquiao’s first title opportunity in four years. In 2019, he defeated Keith Thurman to become the WBA (Super) welterweight champion. After a period of inactivity, he returned in 2021. However, the attempt ended in a loss. Yordenis Ugas defeated him unanimously in what many believed would be his final fight.
Still, despite Amir Tyson’s excitement, the backlash against Pacquiao’s return has grown.
But for the boxing great, it’s a path lined with criticism
One of the most pointed criticisms came from Jeff Mayweather, uncle of Pacquiao’s former rival Floyd Mayweather. He criticized the decision to give Pacquiao a shot after such a long layoff. So without mincing words, Mayweather said, “I mean the thing is that he’s done nothing to be fighting for a world title.”
Adding to the controversy, many fans and analysts have questioned Pacquiao’s fifth spot in the WBC’s top-15 rankings. The Filipino icon now ranks above former champion Eimantas Stanionis, who only recently lost his title to Jaron Ennis. Promoter Eddie Hearn echoed the confusion, asking, “It’s like, at least put him in at 14, do you know what I mean? Why would you put him at five? Why would you put him in at all?”
Perhaps the absence of stars like Floyd Mayweather and the looming retirement of other top fighters makes Pacquiao’s return so compelling to fans like Amir Tyson. The charm of nostalgia, of watching a hero from the past attempt one final run, still holds power.
Regardless of the result on July 19, a more difficult question may follow: Should Manny Pacquiao continue fighting after this?
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