Philippines, 13 Jul 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:

  • Taylor vs. Serrano Trilogy: Can Amanda Get The Nod?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 12 Jul 2025
  • BERLANGA-SHEERAZ, STEVENSON-CEPEDA, MORELL-KHATAEV MAKE WEIGHT IN NEW YORK
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 12 Jul 2025
  • Johnny Spell Takes on Chancellor Batttenberg on Saturday, July 19th at the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington, PA
    , Sat, 12 Jul 2025
  • JV Tuazon, Ador Torres, Lemuel De Barbo, Jomar Fajardo Make Weight for Brico Santig's Highland Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Philippine Under-12 Girls Team Shines Bright, Clinches Multiple Medals at 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships in Penang
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Kenneth “Llover Boy” Takes on “El Nica” Concepcion Aug 17 on Gerry Peñalosa’s Show @ the Winford Resort and Casino Manila (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Undefeated junior middleweight prospect Anthony Velazquez won’t be Boxing’s best kept secret in 2026
    , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Undefeated Gabriela Tellez Returns July 18 at “Night of Champions” Live on DAZN
    , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Dushanbe hosts stacked fight card with Bakhodur Usmonov and Christopher Mouafo headlining IBA.Pro 8
    , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Shakur vs Zepeda & Morrell vs Khataev Fight Analysis
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Peñalosa To Test "Lover Boy" Llover Versus Accomplished Panamanian Veteran Concepcion
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team Begins Brandenburg Cup Prep Camp
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Dream Fight: “Bam” Rodriguez vs “Puma” Martinez on the Horizon
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Perez vs Vivas Headlines All Star Boxing's Prueba de Fuego Card on July 25
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Christy Martin Promotions & Ringside Ticket Inc. Present ‘Lopez Vs. Vargas’ Welterweight Battle
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Vegas Fight Experience Where Authentic Sparring Meets Cinematic Vegas Energy
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • 4 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Erik Morales Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • SALITA PROMOTIONS SIGNS FORMER WORLD CHAMPION TONY HARRISON
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • FIGHT EMPIRE! TUAZON, ADOR, DE BARBO, JOMAR, AND MORE ARE READY FOR ACTION IN BRICO SANTIG'S EXCITING SHOW JULY 12 IN THAILAND
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 09 Jul 2025
  • Shakur Stevenson and David Morrell Face "Crossroad Fights" This Saturday in Queens
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Wed, 09 Jul 2025
  • Christy Martin’s “Mayhem in Music City 2” to Feature Undefeated Vic Hernandez Facing Jayvon Garnett for NABA & Jr. NABF Featherweight Championships
    , Wed, 09 Jul 2025
  • James Perkins & Anthony Andreozzi Headlines “Oceanside Prize Fights”
    , Wed, 09 Jul 2025
  • GORST PURSUES GOLDEN GLORY IN JEDDAH, DEFENDING WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE IN SAUDI ARABIA, 21–26 JULY
    , Wed, 09 Jul 2025
  • Hovhannisyan and Barrientes Set for High-Stakes Showdowns July 18 on DAZN
    , Tue, 08 Jul 2025
  • UNBEATEN PROSPECT KENNETH LLOVER TO FACE FORMER TWO-DIVISION CHAMPION LUIS CONCEPCION IN MANILA
    , Mon, 07 Jul 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.