Manny Pacquiao is battling Conor Benn for right to fight world champion in retirement return

When you think of boxing legends, Manny Pacquiao comes to mind for many purist fans of the sport. A technically proficient fighter with an infectious personality, "PacMan" garnered a huge fanbase in the late 2000s. Fans believed he had the best chance of any similar fighter to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr., but by the time that fight rolled around, Pacquiao was way past his prime.

Pacquiao kept fighting after the loss to Mayweather, but his hype died down as he fought into his early 40s. He ultimately retired in 2021, but has been floating around the possibility of a comeback this year. It seems insane as he's set to turn 46 years old. The first opponent for an official match that was almost confirmed was Conor Benn, the much-maligned British boxer who has seen his hype dwindle following a suspension for doping.

That idea quickly died out, though, paving the way for a shocking rumor. Reports surfaced that Pacquiao was in negotiations to face Mario Barrios, the WBC welterweight champion who's in his prime. It didn't seem plausible, but it now seems to be back on.

Mario Barrios remains a real possibility for Manny Pacquiao

Barrios' trainer, Bob Santos, recently told BoxingScene that Pacquiao is a strong consideration, as is Benn.

I mean, obviously, we're considering Pacquiao. We're considering all our options... If Abel Ramos was in our position and he could fight Connor Benn or Manny Pacquiao, is he gonna be fighting Mario Barrios? I have a lot of respect for Ramos but, obviously, right now, Mario's earned the right to be in a high-profile fight, and we'll see how it plays out.

Abel Ramos gave Barrios an incredible fight a few weeks ago, earning a draw against the incumbent champion. Ramos wants a rematch, but it sounds like Barrios is going in a different direction. Whether that's Pacquiao or Benn, is yet to be decided.