Boxing is an addiction that Manny Pacquiao simply can’t get enough of.

At 46, having spent the last four years on the couch, the former megastar is dusting himself off and making an unexpected but long-mooted return.

Although he could’ve tip-toed his way back into the welterweight division against a nondescript opponent, Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) will take a shot at one of the top names in reigning WBC titleholder Mario Barrios.

Terence Crawford, like most, rubbed his eyes with his hands and checked the headlines when this fight booking was official. After confirming that Pacquiao will resume his career on July 19, Crawford wiped that puzzled look off his face and began breaking it down.

Four years ago, Pacquiao didn’t quite look like himself. His perpetual and ubiquitous movement slowed to a crawl. That deleterious power that forced his opponents to act with caution? Well, that seemingly wasn't there either against former titleholder Yordenis Ugas.

Crawford wouldn't say that he was a shell of himself, but a prime Pacquiao who was a nightmare matchup? That guy was long gone. Even with his reflexes slowing down and despite his overall game looking a bit different, Pacquiao is unlikely to fear Barrios, according to Crawford's perspective.

"Mario Barrios is a great matchup for Manny Pacquiao," Crawford told Sporting News Australia during his promotional tour this past week.

The welterweight division used to be Crawford's playground not long ago, venturing to junior middleweight after becoming undisputed champion at 147 pounds in July 2023. It doesn't come as a surprise that he's still keeping tabs on the ever-changing class.

Barrios, who has twice defended the WBC strap Crawford relinquished, hasn't exactly looked sharp. He seemed vulnerable in a decisions win against Fabian Maidana in May 2024 and appeared flat-out beatable during his split decision draw with Abel Ramos in November.

Crawford acknowledges those struggles. Yet even with Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) looking tenuous time and time again, he wouldn’t go out on a limb and give Pacquiao the edge.

"I think at this age, it's a 50/50 fight for Manny Pacquiao."