Former World Champion Carl Froch has expressed concerns about why Pacquiao would take up a fight at his age originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

It is a fight like no other. Mario Barrios will be returning to the ropes to face the veteran Pacquiao. The duo will contest the WBC welterweight world championship on July 19 in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao eyes ending his retirement at the age of 46 and has surprisingly been awarded a comeback world belt shot against WBC welterweight titlist Barrios.

The pair will meet, with the legend – Pacquiao seeking to make a record-breaking charge for the imminent green belt.

Fans have allayed fears over Pacquiao’s physical condition, given that he is far removed from his legendary boxing heyday.

Former world champion Carl Froch, in a recent interview, expressed concerns about the same.

“I think Mario Barrios might struggle against Manny Pacquiao. He’s got speed, and even though he’s getting old, he still has the work rate. He’s still fit. But I’m shocked he’s coming back. I don’t think he needs the money. He likes fighting. But why is he coming back? At this age. I don’t agree with it. It would be a shame if he’s coming back for the money,” said Froch in a sit-down with Foot Italia.

In case Pacquiao overpowers Barrios, he will become the first boxer to obtain a world title as a Hall of Famer.

Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) has obtained various titles ranging from flyweight (112 pounds) to junior middleweight (154 pounds) over a professional boxing career that began in January 1995. He is slated to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 8th.

“I always bring surprises to the fans,” said Pacquiao at a news conference in Las Vegas. “I’m not taking this lightly. I’m pushing myself to the limit preparing for this fight,” he said. 

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.