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Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao made headlines not just for lacing up his gloves again, but for his surprise appearance at the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice facility this week, where he teamed up with star defensive end Maxx Crosby. With just days before his highly anticipated WBC world welterweight title fight against Mario Barrios, Pacquiao’s presence sent a jolt of energy through Raider Nation, and the fight world.
Pacquiao, who is no stranger to the bright lights of Las Vegas, took his training routine to the gridiron as he visited the Raiders to get a taste of NFL intensity and camaraderie. The Filipino icon, accompanied by his entourage that included Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, greeted Crosby at the facility before getting in some light work, shadow boxing, ab drills, and even taking a jog on the Raiders’ pristine fields.
Team staffers and players looked on as the eight-division world champion mixed boxing tradition with football culture, all while exchanging friendly banter with Crosby. The cross-sport meetup showcased two icons, one of the ring, the other of the gridiron, pushing the boundaries of high-performance athletics.
With Pacquiao’s visit drawing attention from both boxing and football audiences, the anticipation around fight week has only intensified. Raiders’ Maxx Crosby, who’s built his reputation on relentless drive and work ethic, seemed to connect with Pacquiao over their shared commitment to excellence, two athletes at the top of their respective disciplines, meeting at a unique crossroads of sports culture. Pacquiao’s willingness to engage with elite athletes from different worlds highlights his respect for those who dedicate themselves to competition, regardless of the arena.
It’s been four years since Pacquiao last stepped into a professional ring, his last fight a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021. At 46, just months removed from his Hall of Fame induction, Pacquiao’s decision to return to the ring for a shot at Mario Barrios’ WBC world welterweight title stands as one of boxing’s great comeback tales.
Pacquiao announced his return with his signature flair, writing, “I’m back. On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Let’s make history!” The Filipino southpaw, who has already made history as an eight-division world champion, now has the chance to become the second-oldest champion in boxing history if he can upset Barrios this Saturday.
I’m back.
On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Let’s make history! #TeamPacquiao pic.twitter.com/KEscQEims0
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) May 21, 2025
Mario Barrios, at 30 years old and standing nearly five inches taller, enters as the defending WBC welterweight champion and the betting favorite. For Pacquiao, the challenge is immense: overcoming youth, size, and a long layoff. But history has been made countless times by “Pacman,” and fans around...
