Tonight (as of this writing), at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao will defy age and the odds as he challenges Mario “El Azteca” Barrios for the WBC interim welterweight title. It is a moment of reckoning for a legend who has nothing left to prove. (The Pacquiao-Barros fight was declared a draw. – ed.)

Barrios, at 29 years old, is nearly a generation younger than our 46-year-old icon. With a height and reach advantage, as well as a solid professional record of 29 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, Barrios is considered the clear favorite by most boxing analysts. He previously held the WBA super lightweight title and secured a unanimous decision win over Yordenis Ugas in September 2023. Ironically, Ugas is the same fighter who handed Pacquiao his last defeat in 2021.

Thus, four years after his last professional bout, the boxing immortal makes his return. He is the only eight-division world champion in history, with 12 major world titles and being induced into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2023.

This fight is personal for many Filipinos, who consider Pacquiao more than a fighter. To many, he is a symbol of hope and resilience. Win or lose, he inspires people to dream beyond their limitations.

This bout is also deeply personal to me. My grandson Johann calls him Ninong, and my dear friend and classmate, Doc Lenelyn Tomas Barlas, who is also in Los Angeles with him today, proudly serves in his camp.  I will be among the many Filipinos praying tonight that Manny Pacquiao makes us proud one more time.