Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has made headlines once again, this time by firmly ruling out a rematch with WBC interim welterweight champion Mario Barrios, signaling instead a clear preference for a much bigger and potentially historic clash. Despite being linked to a possible return bout with Barrios—who defeated Pacquiao’s protégé Eimantas Stanionis earlier this year—the Filipino icon has firmly shut the door on that possibility and laid out his sights on a far more enticing target: a high-profile showdown with Gervonta “Tank” Davis.
Pacquiao, 45, has not fought professionally since his unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021. While many believed that defeat marked the end of an illustrious career, Pacquiao has continued to flirt with the idea of a comeback, participating in exhibition bouts and staying in fighting shape. His competitive fire, even in his mid-40s, remains undiminished, and now it appears he is preparing for one last major bout before hanging up the gloves for good.
Speaking in a recent interview, Pacquiao was direct when asked about the possibility of facing Barrios: “I have nothing to prove against Barrios,” he said. “He’s a good fighter, but my focus is on bigger names, bigger challenges. I want the fight that the fans want to see.”
Those “bigger challenges” appear to include Gervonta Davis, the unbeaten knockout artist and one of boxing’s most talked-about stars. Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) is coming off a spectacular victory over Frank Martin and has publicly stated his interest in facing a legend like Pacquiao. The bout, if it materializes, would be a rare clash of generations—Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion who defined the 2000s and early 2010s, against Davis, one of the sport’s modern-day superstars.
Insiders close to Pacquiao’s camp suggest that negotiations for a Davis fight have quietly begun, with both parties intrigued by the spectacle and marketability of such a bout. “Manny knows time is not on his side,” said one team member. “He’s not looking to climb the rankings again or go through younger contenders like Barrios. He wants a legacy-defining fight—and that’s Davis.”
Mario Barrios, meanwhile, has expressed interest in a possible fight with Pacquiao, particularly after winning the WBC interim title and becoming more of a household name. For Barrios, a bout with Pacquiao would represent a chance to boost his résumé with a win over a global icon. But from Pacquiao’s perspective, the matchup lacks both the historical significance and commercial allure of a fight with Davis.
In truth, Pacquiao’s refusal to entertain a Barrios rematch is also rooted in his desire to end his career on a high, on his own terms. Despite his age, he remains in exceptional shape and continues to train regularly in General Santos City, Philippines. His dedication to fitness and discipline is legendary, and those closest to him say he is capable of one more elite-level performance.
However, the risks cannot be ignored. Davis is nearly 20 years Pacquiao’s junior and possesses concussive power in both hands. Critics argue that taking on a dangerous opponent like Davis could backfire and tarnish Pacquiao’s legacy. But Pacquiao has never been one to back down from a challenge. Over the years, he’s shared the ring with the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. A fight with Davis would merely be the latest in a long line of high-stakes encounters.
Promoters are already buzzing about the potential blockbuster event, with Las Vegas or Saudi Arabia being floated as likely locations. The bout would likely command massive pay-per-view numbers and draw global attention, particularly given Pacquiao’s status as one of boxing’s all-time greats and Davis’ reputation as a knockout machine.
As for Barrios, he may need to look elsewhere for a marquee opponent. Names like Keith Thurman or Jaron Ennis could be more realistic options as he seeks to solidify his place among the top welterweights. While a fight with Pacquiao would have elevated his profile, Barrios will now have to carve out his own path to stardom.
For Pacquiao, the roadmap is clear. One more big night. One more monumental challenge. And he wants it to be against Gervonta Davis, not Mario Barrios. In doing so, Pacquiao is staying true to the fighter he’s always been—one who dares to be great, re
gardless of the odds.
