DEFYING FATHER TIME

Pacquiao, 46, battles 30-year-old Barrios

- By REY C. LACHICA

Will Manny Pacquiao be like Michael Jordan?

In 1995, Jordan, known as MJ and arguably the greatest NBA player of all time, made his famous two-word statement “I’m back” after a 17-month break following the death of his father.

Well, Pacquiao hopes to do the same as he tries to put another chapter to an already illustrious career when he battles reigning titlist Mario Barrios of Mexico for the World Boxing Council welterweight title in a 12-round fight on Sunday (Manila time)

And like Jordan, Pacquiao declared this with the enthusiasm and bravado of a 25-year champion.

But he’s already 46.

Worry not if one is to believe his rah-rah boys as he climbs onto the ring of the MGM Grand Garden Arena which has been too kind for the Filipino legend.

The former senator from Gen. Santos City has fought 22 times in Sin City, including 15 at the MGM Grand.