Manny Pacquiao came out of retirement to school MMA fighter years before fully-fledged boxing return

Three years after retiring in 2021, Manny Pacquiao took a lesser-known step back into the ring by facing an MMA fighter. This subtle yet telling move foreshadowed the Filipino legend’s renewed drive for a full boxing comeback.

Key Takeaways:

  • Manny Pacquiao officially retired in 2021 after a notable defeat
  • He began a path to returning three years ago
  • The Filipino icon “schooled” an MMA fighter, showing he still had the skills to compete
  • Rumors suggest this move paved the way for a full-scale boxing comeback
  • The original source for this story is Bloody Elbow

Manny Pacquiao’s 2021 Farewell

In 2021, Manny Pacquiao hung up his boxing gloves after falling short in his final fight. Widely regarded as a Filipino boxing legend, his retirement signaled the end of a storied career that inspired countless fans around the world.

Facing an MMA Challenger

Three years following his retirement, Pacquiao quietly returned to the ring to test himself against an MMA fighter. Though details remain limited, sources note he effectively “schooled” his opponent—an indication that his technique and formidable skill set remained intact despite the hiatus.

The Filipino Legend’s Lasting Legacy

Even in retirement, Pacquiao’s name continues to resonate. Having held world championship titles across multiple weight classes, Pacquiao built a reputation for lightning-quick footwork, heavy punches, and an unwavering fighting spirit. That legacy fuels the significance of every move he makes, including the reported challenge against a mixed martial artist.

Toward a Full-Fledged Boxing Return

This low-profile encounter took place well before Pacquiao confirmed any official comeback plan. However, for boxing fans, it signaled something more consequential—a possible transition back into the competitive scene he once dominated. While exact details of his next steps remain unconfirmed, the boxer’s motivation to face fresh challenges shows that his journey in the ring may not be over just yet.

More from World

Fremont Resolves Discolored Water Issue
by Fremonttribune
21 hours ago
1 min read
Fremont water problem ‘behind us,’ water superintendent says
Family Bonds Strengthen Amid ICU Tragedy
by Lincoln Journal Star
1 day ago
2 mins read
Love that filled a lifetime in Waverly now fills an ICU after fatal crash
How Plasma Donations Are Helping to Pay Some Americans’ Bills—and Treat Patients Around the World
"The New Yorker’s Playful ‘Inside Story’ Cover"
by The New Yorker
1 day ago
1 min read
Luci Gutiérrez’s “Inside Story”
Indiana Urged to Regulate License Plate Readers
by Pharostribune
1 day ago
2 mins read
Samantha Bresnahan column: Indiana must put guardrails on the use of automatic license plate readers
William Steig: Sweetness Meets Life's Sharp Edges
by The New Yorker
1 day ago
2 mins read
William Steig, Bursting with Joy
Private Funds Drive 2025 Submarine Cable Boom
by Lightreading
1 day ago
1 min read
2025 in review: Private investments supercharge subsea cable buildouts
Valley's Trail-Only Push Gains Urgency
by Nvdaily
1 day ago
1 min read
Commentary: We need trail-only option in Valley
Who Will Fund Alton's Costly Sinkhole Fix?
by Pantagraph
2 days ago
1 min read
It’s still unclear who will pay $35-$53K to remove water from Alton’s sinkhole
All-Big 12 Selections Reveal Colorado’s Biggest Offseason Need
Fighting 'AI Slop': Creativity Strikes Back
by Fast Company
4 days ago
2 mins read
Surf the web like it’s 2022 with Slop Evader
The Hidden Costs of OpenAI's AI Empire
by Scientificamerican
4 days ago
2 mins read
AI as the New Empire? Karen Hao Explains the Hidden Costs of OpenAI’s Ambitions