Pacquiao Eyes Welterweight Title Shot at 46 Amid Questions

Las Vegas, NV — Manny Pacquiao seeks to make history by pursuing a major world title at 46 years old, despite questions about his physical condition. Paulie Malignaggi, a former champion turned analyst, shared his insights on Pacquiao’s upcoming bout against Mario Barrios, emphasizing the unusual circumstances surrounding the match.

“None of us should be bigger than the sport, and I stand by that,” Malignaggi said. He acknowledged that while boxing often breaks its own rules, it is generally expected that fighters coming off a loss or with inactivity shouldn’t compete for world titles.

Malignaggi highlighted that many rules have been bent to allow the fight between Pacquiao and Barrios to happen. He also reflected on the challenges of aging fighters. “When you get older, your legs are not the same,” he stated. “I felt that later in my career when I struggled in rounds 10, 11, and 12.”

The former champion questioned how Pacquiao’s age and extensive fight history, having taken part in 70 professional bouts, would affect his performance. “Manny had a lot of wear and tear, and the impact from those fights raises concerns about his legs and ability to maintain his style of fighting,” he explained.

Regarding Barrios, Malignaggi did not hold back. “I think Mario Barrios sucks. I can’t comprehend how a 5’10” front foot heavy guy, who’s not the biggest puncher, becomes a world champion,” he remarked, pointing out that Barrios had been knocked down in his previous fight.

Malignaggi suggested that Pacquiao sees an opportunity in a welterweight division that has weakened since its peak years. “If the welterweight division was as deep as it was a few years ago, I don’t know if Manny would consider this fight,” he said, acknowledging that both he and Pacquiao recognize an opening to compete in the current landscape.

Despite the risks, Malignaggi expressed understanding for Pacquiao’s decision to face Barrios. “If I’m Manny looking at Mario Barrios, I almost don’t blame him. I feel like I can beat Mario Barrios, too,” he concluded.