Barrios vs Pacquiao: Trainer Dave Coldwell on why he won’t watch legend’s comeback fight

Maybe Pacquiao is chasing the old days, but I do hope it’s not just for the money. It would be sad if he’s boxing again purely for a payday.

For my generation, Pacquiao’s greatness is secure. A lot of fighters go on one or two fights too long; Sugar Ray Leonard did the same. It’s sad, but it doesn’t take away from their legacy.

Some younger fans, who only know him from social media, may judge him on what they see now – not really appreciating what he did in the past.

Pacquiao’s comeback does raise important questions about how boxing manages fighters returning at an advanced age. Should there be stricter rules or age restrictions? It’s a tricky balance.

Boxing is a sport where fighters’ health and safety must come first, but it’s also about individual choice. They’re all adults.

Medical checks are in place, but clearly they don’t stop everyone from fighting too long or jumping straight into top-level fights.

I’m not sure a hard age limit is the answer. Fighters like Bernard Hopkins and Foreman have shown it’s possible to compete at an elite level into their late forties, albeit they are one of a few anomalies.

It’s more about case-by-case assessments – how well a fighter moves, how much punishment they’re taking. Getting hit at 46 is a lot more dangerous than at 26.

The best outcome is that I wake up on Sunday and find out Pacquiao has lost and will now walk away, safe and sound, knowing he had an unbelievable career.