The boxing world, pro sport world and people are excited to see a boxing legend back soon for a world title fight but caution must be advised.
Yes, Filipino Manny Pacquiao as the only eight-division world champion in boxing history and is a legend of the sport, sure.
But at 46-years-old this summer fighting Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight world title, he will be a big underdog on July 19th.
It is a monumental ask really if you think about it.
Pacquiao didn’t look great last year in an exhibition and now with other almost full-time commitments, it is unclear how much time he is going to give this boxing training camp for Barrios.
That said, Pacquiao and his team are no fools and if they are taking on a challenge and fight this big, they will do so in knowing they will be successful.
Barrios is training ferociously at the moment amongst other top tier professional boxers like Caleb Plant (who returns later this month).
That makes it an even bigger task for Pacquiao.
Per above, like his chess match in the photo above with chess legend Magnus Carlsen, to have a chance, Pacquiao will need to call on all his knowledge gained in the sport and use it.
Box, use angles and his perceived advantages.
To even have a chance of winning on July 19th in Las Vegas.