Philippines, 17 Jun 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


PACQUIAO BACK AT WILDCARD GYM: A LEGEND'S RETURN TO GLORY


PhilBoxing.com





A legend in every sense of the word, Manny Pacquiao, the former eight-division world champion and national icon of the Philippines, has once again graced the hallowed halls of the famed Wildcard Boxing Gym. Now situated in the newly renamed Freddie Roach Square, at the corner of Vine Street and Sta. Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, California, the gym has served as the backdrop to some of the most iconic moments in boxing history, thanks to the bond forged between Pacquiao and his Hall of Fame trainer, Freddie Roach.

The moment Pacquiao arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday, May 18, the weight of the past seemed to lift off his shoulders as he immediately set to work. Despite the long flight from the Philippines and the inevitable jet lag that came with it, Pacquiao wasted no time and, in his usual determined fashion, kicked off his light training session on Monday afternoon (Tuesday in Manila). The sight of him back inside the gym brought a sense of nostalgia and anticipation that only a select few could understand.



It was here, within these very walls, that Pacquiao’s unparalleled career first began to take shape. For two and a half decades, Pacquiao and Roach formed a partnership that would etch their names into the annals of boxing history. Together, they charted a course of trailblazing triumphs that broke records, shattered expectations, and captured the hearts of millions. Pacquiao’s unmatched ability to conquer boxing’s most formidable divisions—culminating in victories over legends like Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, and Oscar de la Hoya—cemented his status as one of the sport's greatest ever.

As Pacquiao reestablished his connection with Roach, it was clear that the bond between them was more than just professional; it was rooted in mutual respect, shared triumphs, and the deep understanding of what they had achieved together. It was Pacquiao who had transformed Wildcard Gym into a global beacon, a symbol of grit, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. The gym had been his home, his sanctuary, a place where champions were made. And now, as he steps back into the ring once again, the world watches with bated breath, wondering if the legendary Pacman can once again defy the odds.



This week, in what promises to be a momentous announcement, Pacquiao and his promoter, Premier Boxing Champions, are expected to confirm the long-rumored fight against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, reportedly scheduled for July in Las Vegas. The anticipation surrounding this matchup is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the return of one of boxing’s most beloved figures.

But Pacquiao's return to the ring has not been without its share of skepticism. At 46 years old, and having not fought since his defeat to Yordenis Ugas on August 21, 2021, many experts and fans have voiced their concerns. The question on everyone's mind is whether Pacquiao, having not fought in four years, can still compete at the highest level. Some worry about the potential toll this return may take on his health, while others wonder if his body, now older and worn, can withstand the rigors of championship boxing.

Yet, in the face of these doubts, there are still those who believe. Despite the critics, some hold on to the belief that Pacquiao’s indomitable spirit—his relentless work ethic, his heart, and his unwavering belief in himself—could still propel him to victory. They point to the examples of boxing icons like Bernard Hopkins and George Foreman, who continued to compete and thrive well into their 40s, proving that age need not be a barrier to greatness.



From our vantage point—those who have witnessed Pacquiao's meteoric rise from a young, hungry fighter to an international icon—the question is not whether he can return, but whether he can once again conquer Father Time. We’ve watched him rise from the humblest beginnings, surpassing every obstacle in his path, breaking barriers that many thought were insurmountable. If anyone has the strength, the drive, and the ability to defy the odds once again, it is Manny Pacquiao.

Pacquiao's journey has always been one of defying expectations—time and again, he has proven that there are no limits to what he can achieve. As he stands once more inside the iconic Wildcard Gym, with Freddie Roach by his side, the world is left wondering: can the Pacman truly defy time itself and write yet another chapter in his storied career?

For now, as the bell rings and Pacquiao begins his training, the anticipation builds, and once again, fans find themselves perched on the edge of their seats, awaiting the next great moment in boxing history. The story of Manny Pacquiao is far from over—if anything, it may be entering its most captivating chapter yet.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Perfect foe, perfect outcome
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 17 Jun 2025
  • Prospects Collide Results: Rajon Chance Defeats Yan Carlos Perez
    , Tue, 17 Jun 2025
  • Undefeated Russian super middleweight Petr “The Surgeon” Khamukov to headline This Friday in Long Beach on DAZN
    , Tue, 17 Jun 2025
  • International Boxing & MMA Consultants Appointed to serve as El Salvador Professional Combat Sport Commission
    , Tue, 17 Jun 2025
  • Sasotize teams champion and 1st runner up in 2nd JCI Senate Chess Tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 17 Jun 2025
  • USA Boxing’s Elite High Performance Team Concluded World Boxing Championship 2025 With Nine Medals
    , Mon, 16 Jun 2025
  • "The Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire Makes Stunning Comeback, Wins Interim WBA 118-lbs Title in Argentina!! (PHOTOS)
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 15 Jun 2025
  • DAZN is Set to Make Exciting Debut in Thailand with Thrilling Dream Boxing/Highland Boxing Show
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 15 Jun 2025
  • Hitchins Dominates, Stops Kambosos Jr. in Eighth Round to Retain IBF Super Lightweight Title
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 15 Jun 2025
  • THAI SIMSRI READY FOR CHRISTIAN ARANETA IN IBF WORLD TITLE SHOWDOWN THURSDAY IN JAPAN; WILL THE CEBUANO “BOMB” STOP HIM?
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 15 Jun 2025
  • Pinoy Power! Pacquiao, Donaire, and Araneta Ready to Shine in World Title Fights
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 15 Jun 2025
  • “PROSPECTS COLLIDE” TAKES CENTER STAGE
    , Sun, 15 Jun 2025
  • Nonito Donaire Favorite to Beat Andrés Campos for WBA Interim World Title; Both Men Make Weight Ready in Argentina!
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 14 Jun 2025
  • Oklahoma Forces 2-2 Finals Series Tie, Starves Indiana for Point in 111-104 Win
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Sat, 14 Jun 2025
  • PROSPECTS COLLIDE OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS
    , Sat, 14 Jun 2025
  • Hitchins vs. Kambosos: Can George Be More Than A Faded Name?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 14 Jun 2025
  • Four Boxers Advance to Gold Medal Matches on Day Three of World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem
    , Sat, 14 Jun 2025
  • WEIGHTS FROM NEW YORK: HITCHINS - 140 LBS., KAMBOSOS - 139.4 LBS.
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 14 Jun 2025
  • Gaviola to face Narukami in Gensan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 14 Jun 2025
  • Pacquiao Steps Up Training
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 14 Jun 2025
  • Balla stops Cabalquinto in 4th round
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 14 Jun 2025
  • Eight-year-old Marius Constante sweeps 5-round chess fest in Cebu
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 14 Jun 2025
  • Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz and Top Lightweight Contender Edwin De Los Santos Part Ways Amicably
    , Sat, 14 Jun 2025
  • Unification WBA & IBA Pro title fight Albert Batyrgaziev vs James Dickens to crown boxing show in Istanbul on 2 July
    , Fri, 13 Jun 2025
  • How the Ring's P4P Ranking Has Strayed from the Norms of Nat and Nigel
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Fri, 13 Jun 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.