Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is officially back in the ring at 46 years old, and while naysayers are ringing the alarm bells about his age and layoff, one other legend is not concerned in the least—Sugar Ray Leonard wholeheartedly supports Pacquiao's return to action.

The eight-division world champion will battle WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Since 2021, we haven't seen any shadow from the pound-for-pound king.

As a matter of fact, his loss to Yordenis Ugas via unanimous decision had convinced fans that "father time" was catching up with Pacquiao. Now, three years later, the boxing community is divided. Some fans are euphoric, while others are worried.

Pacquiao's Return to the Ring After Hiatus

Sugar Ray Leonard Believes Manny Pacquiao Will Come Back Stronger Sugar Ray Leonard Believes Manny Pacquiao Will Come Back Stronger
Manny Pacquiao/Instagram

Pacquiao has been gone from the ring for the past several years, too busy running as a senator in the Philippines and preparing for his presidential campaign. According to TMZ Sports, his extended time off, plus the 16-year age gap between him and Barrios, could easily convince boxing viewers that he doesn't stand a chance against the younger and quicker Mexican.

But to Sugar Ray Leonard, those questions are nothing, and age is just a number.

Sugar Ray Leonard Advocates Pacquiao's Choice

TMZ Sports spoke with Leonard, who notoriously came back in his 40s, and the five-division world champion had no hesitation in endorsing Manny Pacquiao's comeback.

"There's not one thing that will really make people understand why we do what we do. But, you know what, God bless, stay healthy, and take care."

Leonard knows what it means to fight past your prime. He came out of a six-year retirement in 1997 to face Héctor Camacho at age 40, making him no stranger to defying expectations and critics.

Can Pacquiao Compete at 46?

Most experts wonder if Pacquiao's reflexes and quickness, once among the best in the ring, can hold up against younger fighters. Barrios, who is 30, is a potent, aggressive champion with power and youth to his advantage. Nevertheless, Pacquiao's ring IQ and experience are unbeatable.

The Filipino southpaw has beaten age before. At 40, he stunned the world by knocking out Keith Thurman to become the oldest welterweight champion in boxing history.

As for Chris Algieri via Sports Illustrated, Pacquiao is the best fighter he has ever fought. The former kickboxer added that Pacman can win even though the odds are stacked against him.

In another report by Yardbarker, Pacquiao's longtime head trainer, Freddie Roach, said he doesn't doubt Pacman's ability to dominate the ring against Barrios.