July 19 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable nights in recent boxing history. Multiple high-profile fights are scheduled across different cards, but few carry the intrigue of Manny Pacquiao’s return to the ring. At 46 years old and nearly three years removed from his last professional bout, Pacquiao is set to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title—an event that has generated tremendous buzz globally.
Pacquiao, widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, hasn’t scored a professional win since defeating Keith Thurman in 2019. Meanwhile, the boxing landscape has evolved significantly, and one of the most talked-about figures to emerge in recent years is Jake Paul, who made his pro debut in 2020. With a 12-1 record in 13 professional fights, Paul’s presence in the sport has sparked both interest and controversy.
In the lead-up to his clash with Barrios, Pacquiao made an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show on July 15, where he addressed Paul’s impact on boxing. His comments made it clear—there’s no animosity, only respect.
Pacquiao: “He has a talent”
Asked directly about Paul, Pacquiao responded candidly: “Jake Paul, he has a talent. He can fight in a real boxing match, so he can be a boxer.” The statement, shared via a post on X by Helwani, reaffirmed Pacquiao’s willingness to recognize Paul’s legitimacy in the sport despite his celebrity origins.
When pressed on whether Paul had earned his respect, Pacquiao didn’t hesitate: “Yes, yes, yes. It’s not good for the boxing industry to always have exhibition matches. Exhibition matches [are] okay, but not always exhibition, but need to always have an [evenly-matched] fight to entertain the fans.” The eight-division champion emphasized the need for competitive bouts that genuinely engage audiences.
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Respect over rivalry in the changing boxing landscape
Pacquiao’s acknowledgment may surprise some, particularly those who view Jake Paul’s rise as a sideshow. However, Pacquiao’s comments signal a more pragmatic perspective—one that values the entertainment and visibility Paul has brought to the sport, provided the matchups are fair and compelling.
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Though Pacquiao may have mistaken Paul’s scheduled fight with Mike Tyson in November 2024 for an exhibition, his broader message was clear. At a time when boxing constantly evolves and blends celebrity with sport, Pacquiao has no intention of dismissing contributions that generate attention and foster competition.
