Manny Pacquiao’s Comeback: A Hero’s Last Swing Or A Dangerous Gamble?

Manny Pacquiao, a name synonymous with greatness, is reportedly gearing up for one last run. At 46 years old, the Filipino legend may face off against Mario Barrios—a much younger, taller, and active WBC welterweight champion.

For die-hard fans, it’s a nostalgic thrill to imagine “PacMan” lacing up the gloves again. But this isn’t the 2010 version of Pacquiao that blitzed through divisions and made world champions look like sparring partners. This is a man who hasn’t won a fight since 2019, whose last real bout ended in a sobering defeat to Yordenis Ugas—a fighter Barrios recently handled with far more ease.

Still, some fans and even ex-pros believe Pacquiao has one last big performance in him. Is that hope rooted in reality or just a love for what he once was? Time will tell, but it’s hard to ignore the brutal truth: boxing is unforgiving to aging legends, especially those whose strengths—blazing footwork and fast-twitch explosiveness—are the first to fade.

Barrios might not be an elite pound-for-pound star, but he’s dangerous enough to make this potential fight more tragic than triumphant.

Moses Itauma: The Future of the Heavyweights or Being Sheltered Too Long?

Over in the heavyweight scene, Moses Itauma continues to grab attention. At just 20 years old, the British phenom is unbeaten, explosive, and ranked No. 1 by the WBO. He knocked out Mike Balogun in his last outing, but many feel that fight was a step back in competition.

Itauma’s talent is unquestionable, but fans are getting restless. He’s already proven he can dismantle lower-tier opposition—now it’s time to test him against legitimate contenders. Names like Otto Wallin, Arslanbek Makhmudov, or even Hughie Fury have been floated. If he handles that level, he’s ready for the likes of Martin Bakole.

Promoter Frank Warren seems to be playing it safe, hinting that a fight with Joseph Parker or Bakole might happen later this year. With the heavyweight picture shifting—especially with Oleksandr Usyk possibly retiring soon—Itauma’s window for making a big leap could open sooner than expected.

Read this: A Show of Silence: Canelo and Crawford Let Their Actions Speak Ahead of Epic Showdown

Bottom line: the potential is real, but we need to see more risk if he’s going to be taken seriously as the future of the division.

Josh Taylor: From Undisputed Champion to Questionable Comebacks

Josh Taylor once ruled the 140-pound division. In 2021, he became only the second man in the four-belt era to unify all major titles in the junior welterweight class. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s riding a brutal three-fight losing streak, capped by a disappointing defeat to Ekow Essuman.

So, what happened?

Some say Taylor never really lived the champion’s life after reaching the mountaintop. He admitted to overindulging—too much beer, junk food, and time away from the ring. That lack of discipline likely contributed to his controversial win over Jack Catterall, a flat performance against Teofimo Lopez, and now a loss to a fighter he would’ve likely dominated a few years ago.

He’s only 34, but in boxing years—especially when you fight in lower weight classes—that’s old. Taylor’s body isn’t responding the way it once did, and unless something dramatic changes, the end might be near. Retirement isn’t out of the question.

His legacy? Still intact, for now. But if he keeps losing, the luster of that undisputed run will fade fast.

Justis Huni vs. Fabio Wardley: Make-or-Break Moment for the Aussie Prospect

Justis Huni is another heavyweight on the rise, known for his quick hands, crisp combinations, and technical polish. But his upcoming fight against Fabio Wardley is no tune-up. Wardley hits hard—really hard—and has finished nearly everyone he’s fought.

This matchup is intriguing because it’s a true clash of styles: Huni is the technician, Wardley the puncher. If Huni can withstand the power, he has the tools to outbox Wardley over the distance. But that’s a big “if.”

Some fans still remember when Huni got rocked by Kevin Lerena. He survived, but the cracks showed. If he gets clipped clean by Wardley, there might be no coming back.

This fight will tell us whether Huni is a future world title contender or just a well-schooled regional star. Either way, it’s the kind of high-stakes fight that boxing needs more of.

Read this: Calm Before the Collision: Crawford and Canelo Keep It Cool in Riyadh

Source: BoxingScene’s Midweek Mailbag: Manny Pacquiao’s comeback and more

Anthony Joshua: Rebuilding the Brand or Delaying the Inevitable?

Once the face of modern heavyweight boxing, Anthony Joshua is now in career limbo. After a crushing knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, he’s planning a November comeback—likely against a safe, low-risk opponent.

So what’s the strategy?

There are three possible paths:

If Deontay Wilder strings together a couple wins, we could finally see the long-awaited Joshua-Wilder clash in early 2026. It’s at least five years too late, but it would still sell.
If Wilder falters or retires and Tyson Fury stays inactive, Joshua could look to beat a faded “name” fighter—think Dillian Whyte again, or maybe even someone like Andy Ruiz—and use a two-fight win streak to chase another title shot.
If he loses his return fight, that might be the end of the line.

Joshua’s team knows the clock is ticking. His commercial appeal is still massive, but boxing is a results-based sport. Eddie Hearn has even floated a two-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season, which could include Jared Anderson or another mid-level contender.

Despite the setbacks, Joshua remains a box office draw. He’ll probably get at least one more big opportunity before the curtain falls. Whether he can seize it is another matter.

Final Thoughts

Boxing in 2025 is a mix of nostalgia, rising stars, and aging legends trying to defy time. Pacquiao wants one last dance, Taylor might be nearing his final round, and Joshua is trying to reboot his career before it’s too late. Meanwhile, Moses Itauma and Justis Huni are knocking on the door of boxing’s elite.

Whether it’s redemption or collapse, we’re watching history in motion—and that’s what makes this sport endlessly fascinating.