THEY'RE READY TO RUMBLE

A rematch against Father Time. At 46, Filipino superhero Manny Pacquiao will face the tallest odds in his WBC welterweight title showdown with Mexican champion Mario Barrios Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here.

- ABAC CORDERO

Pacquiao is 16 years older than Barrios, and is coming out of retirement that lasted four years. He last fought professionally in 2021, losing to Yordenis Ugas of Cuba in what many thought then was the final chapter of his storied career.

Well, he did look old in that fight.

But Pacquiao is back — in boxing's capital. He will try to turn back the hands of time and prove to fight fans, those rooting for him and otherwise, that despite his age, he remains in the elite circle of active fighters.

"I'm so happy because I'm back," said Pacquiao, the underdog, during Friday's official weigh-in, which drew a huge crowd, including Filipinos chanting his name.

"I'm back because boxing is my passion. I miss boxing," said the fighting pride of Sarangani Province, who challenges for yet another world crown 27 years after he won his first — the WBC flyweight crown.