Pacquiao hasn't fought since July of 2019. Can he return from this lay off?

Since he is probably fighting McGregor next...YES! :lol1: :dunno:

I really wanted to see him with Bud or Spence as I think after beating Thurman he demonstrated his claim to be top of the division, but as every year passes his athleticism and speed will deteriorate, maybe not massively but enough to severely impact his chances of beating either of them. Still, I’d love to see Pacman v Spence or Crawford in 2021 We need to appreciate Manny for as long as he competes at the top level because he’s a beyond generational talent and an active ATG.

I agree and hopefully Manny has been in the gym all this time if he plans on continuing his career. I actually wouldn't mind him retiring with a farewell fight in Manila but he doesn't look washed up yet so I'm guessing he will keep fighting. If he fights one last time, he should fight McGregor in Manila. The Thurman fight was the perfect ending to his career though.

I think whatever fight Manny takes next is the one where he says, I'm retiring. At his age, yes, he needs additional rest, but not THAT much rest. It's like a car that hasn't been turned on in quite some time. Pac's age is finally going to show. I mean heck, it's been showing in each of his last few fights but he keeps winning when he probably shouldn't have. This makes people think he's still got it. Each year that goes by moves him closer to the danger zone. The zone where he can probably get hurt real bad physically or he cannot recover as easy as he used to. There is no super human out there. Father time is undefeated. At this point, if Pac is still winning, his opponents aren't trying enough or just weren't good to begin with. Of course Spence, Garcia, Crawford and the likes are all calling him out. They know it is inevitable that Pac's can't escape his age. He's shown plenty of times where he has to take breathers and he's been more open to shots than ever before. He's basically ripe for the picking by one of these younger in their prime guys. Who knows though, everyone's been sidelined with the rona. That could help Pac pull it off one more time, lol

But older bodies can get out of shape faster. For these older athletes at the top of their sports, there is a very delicate balance between rest and exercise. Too much exercise will wear out the old body, but too much rest could send your body to a place it can't come back from. I agree and hopefully Manny has been in the gym all this time if he plans on continuing his career. I actually wouldn't mind him retiring with a farewell fight in Manila but he doesn't look washed up yet so I'm guessing he will keep fighting.

Layoffs are actually good for older boxers..gives them time to recover..it is not like he got fat, did drugs and was not training..The guy is a natural boxer and an elite legend

If he hasn't been doing any sparring of any kind, it can impact his reflexes. If he signs a fight he'll need some extra time to fine tune and get them back on track. Injuries are also a concern when getting back into fighting shape after the age of 40 and a long layoff. I wouldn't be surprised if he suffers another set-back during training camp with an injury.

He can still beat Mikey and McGregor, no problem.

He should fight winner of DSG & Spence. Crawford doesn’t deserve the fight. He hasn’t proven ****.

How many times did pacquiao proved everyone is wrong? the skills and talents are both in his blood. so no worries.. he has the experience.. his body will say stop when he wants.

Pac doesn't have a problem making weight. I've seen him last month and he looks like a 135lbs boxer he's too small maybe because he just eat 3x a day unlike when he has a fight schedule he needs to eat 8x a day to meet the 147lbs.

if he gets a fight with conor or Mayweather he should take those fights. He won't get hurt in those fights and he will make a fortune.

As a Pac fan I wish he would retire now and fight no more. The good win over Thurman is a good time to leave the sport. He is really a very old boxer now and some good young welterweight will give him a beating if he keeps fighting. He fights great for his age and he can still beat most guys but why risk brain damage? Hopkins was a one of a kind freak and no other boxer can fight as well in their old age and should not try to.

Their is no way Pac is taking tune-up fights when hes almost 42 and only has a cpl of fights left in him. I would love to see Manny fight for un-disputed against either Spence or Crawford. Damm if he became undisputed at Pacs age hes definitely TOP 3 ATG. Hope he fights Mikey, and either Bud or Spence. Mikey would definitely be another great W on his resume.

Pac's is a freak of nature! My money is on the old guy hands down.

he doesn't even have to train to beat Mcgregor. As far as beating guys like Spence, Crawford, Porter, or even or even bichazz thurman in a rematch, I don't see it

Long layoffs benefit older boxers because their body needs that time compared to when they were younger. Pac is probably the healthiest welterweight out there aside from Floyd because they don't blow up to middleweight when their bodies are at rest. Not to mention he has basketball to keep him fit and the weekly shadow boxing that keeps his muscle memory intact.

He should go out on a high note. Thurman would be a great ending.

I think layoffs are good for older boxers so yea he'll be fine. Manny ain't gonna forgot how to box. But older bodies can get out of shape faster. For these older athletes at the top of their sports, there is a very delicate balance between rest and exercise. Too much exercise will wear out the old body, but too much rest could send your body to a place it can't come back from.

I want to say he's done, but I said that before the Thurman fight and he proved me wrong.