Manny Pacquiao trains at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles on July 26, 2021. Ryan Hafey, Premiere Boxing Champions/File
MANILA – Eight-time world division champion Manny Pacquiao has reunited with old friends ahead of his boxing comeback in July.
Pacquiao, 46, has officially kicked off his preparations for his bout against Mario Barrios at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles, California with longtime trainer Freddie Roach and cornerman Buboy Fernandez in Hollywood, seeking to turn back time and regain glory in boxing.
They conducted a full-scale skills and fitness assessment of Pacquiao, which included drills testing speed, reflexes, endurance, and ring movement.
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Fernandez expressed confidence in Pacquiao's skillset — given at this day and age — after a four-year stoppage in the sport.
"He’s not just in shape—he’s still sharp. Today was about seeing where we’re starting from. And frankly, we’re not far off," Fernandez said.
In his last professional fight, he lost to Yordenis Ugas for the WBA welterweight crown in August 2021 via a unanimous 12-round decision.
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Despite this, Pacquiao remained determined in getting to shape soon, citing his "never-ending love" for boxing.
"This is just the start. We’re testing everything. My body, my timing, my power. Everything will be aligned, and I never stopped loving this sport," Pacquiao said.
The workout with Roach and Fernandez was also a "baseline day" for the "People's Champ."
"This baseline is just the beginning. We’ll adjust the program depending on Manny’s direction," said Fernandez.
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