Manny Pacquiao practices with trainer Freddie Roach at Wild Card gym on what was supposed to be his day off. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Returning from retirement, Manny Pacquiao shook off the cobwebs as his training camp for his world title fight against Mario Barrios officially got underway in Los Angeles, California.
Pacquiao on Tuesday (Manila time) was back in a usual setting with familiar characters at Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood reunited with longtime trainer Freddie Roach and cornerman Buboy Fernandez.
READ: Manny Pacquiao to fight Mario Barrios in July
Familiar faces are back in the lab. Manny Pacquiao, Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez reunite at Wild Card. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/cRZVezGaf5
— Mark Giongco (@MarkGiongcoINQ) May 20, 2025
There’s a lot of work to be done ahead of Pacquiao’s ring return on July 19 in Las Vegas but Fernandez was pleased to see the boxing legend still keen for someone who’s coming off a four-year hiatus.
“He’s not just in shape—he’s still sharp. Today was about seeing where we’re starting from. And frankly, we’re not far off,” Fernandez said.
The workout also served as “baseline day” for Pacquiao, who hasn’t appeared in an official fight since his stunning loss to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021 when he lost the WBA welterweight crown.
“This is just the start. We’re testing everything. My body, my timing, my power. “Everything will be aligned and I never stopped loving this sport” said the 46-yeear-old former pound-for-pound king.
READ: No Senate return for Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao, back from retirement, shakes off the cobwebs at Pan-Pacific Park in LA as training camp for his title fight against Mario Barrios officially gets underway. | 🎥 Team Pacquiao pic.twitter.com/aZHjIhLQsp
— Mark Giongco (@MarkGiongcoINQ) May 20, 2025
“This baseline is just the beginning. We’ll adjust the program depending on Manny’s direction,” said Fernandez.
The session included drills testing speed, reflexes, endurance, and ring movement–all of which are of importance especially with Pacquiao’s advanced age.
Pacquiao is also facing a champion who is 16 years his junior and four inches taller.
Pacquiao arrived in Los Angeles on Monday night (Manila time). He kicked off his preparations the following morning at Pan-Pacific Park.
Boxing’s only eight-division recently lost in his bid for a return in Senate in the midterm elections.
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