Claressa Shields Drops One-Line Verdict for Manny Pacquiao’s Surprising Title Shot Return Despite 4-Year Hiatus

Recently, a training clip featuring Manny Pacquiao took over boxing Twitter. The former eight-division world champion, now 46, was seen working the heavy bag—gloves on, focus intact, moving with bursts of energy that once ruled the sport. It wasn’t a press conference, a callout, or a weigh-in that set the internet off. It was just Pacquiao in the gym—back again.

And not just for any exhibition. The Filipino legend is preparing to face Mario Barrios, the current WBC welterweight champion, on July 19 in Las Vegas. A 29-year-old in his prime, Barrios has youth, reach, and activity on his side. In contrast, Manny Pacquiao hasn’t fought since his loss in 2021. The matchup, on paper, is clashing. In the ring, it could be defining for both.

While most of the internet was split between nostalgia and concern seeing the clip of PacMan back in the gym, Claressa Shields, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed heavyweight champion, chimed in with her own reaction. Yesterday, she too reacted to the clip with a line: “I can’t believe we Got this fight lol Pacquiao.” Shields’ reaction wasn’t dismissive or mocking—it was honest, raw, and very much in line with what many boxing purists felt. If Pacquiao vs. Barrios had been floated as a fantasy match-up even six months ago, it might’ve been brushed off as internet clickbait. Yet here it is—real, sanctioned by the WBC, and scheduled on a PPV stage. Shields’ tweet captures that rare disbelief that hits when something wildly unexpected actually becomes reality.

And when someone like Claressa Shields acknowledges a fight like this, it matters. Shields has never shied from giving credit where it’s due, and her tone here feels equal parts surprised and intrigued. Manny Pacquiao is not just a fighter—he’s a figure whose return even top-tier champions like her feel compelled to talk about.

Despite their different career arcs, there are parallels. Both fighters emerged from tough upbringings. Both have been vocal about legacy, not just wins. And both have traversed worlds beyond the ring—Shields in MMA and activism, Pacquiao in politics and philanthropy. As a result, she has long backed the boxing veteran, even against the then-unified welterweight champion.

Claressa Shields’ consistent support for Manny Pacquiao

In June 2021, during a media scrum captured by FightHype, Shields was asked to weigh in on Pacquiao’s then-upcoming bout against Errol Spence Jr. Without hesitation, she offered a tactical but glowing breakdown of what Errol Spence Jr needed to do: “He gotta be in top shape, gotta let his hands go, gotta watch out for the angles & I think he gotta have quick eyes. Look, you know Pacquiao is 40 or 41 or whatever, but man that dude train, he work out still and he’s fighting for a lot. So I believe that Pacquiao is not letting age get to him. So I think Errol needs to make sure to be sharp in there and have his eyes over.”

Her words stood out not just for their insight, but for their tone. She wasn’t doubting Manny Pacquiao’s capability—she was warning Spence to take him seriously, despite his age. The matchup would eventually be canceled, but Shields’ statement remains one of the more thoughtful endorsements Pacquiao received from an active fighter that year.

Just a couple of months later, on August 22, 2021, following Pacquiao’s unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas, Shields took to X to reaffirm her respect: “Still a great fan of @MannyPacquiao! He’s a legend! He still will give many guys problems too.” At a time when critics were quick to call the former world champion washed or past his prime, Shields once again doubled down on her belief in his skillset and his legacy.

Regardless of her long support, a lot of fans seem worried, and some are outright angry seeing Manny Pacquiao’s workout clip. As for Claressa Shields, her reaction: “lol,” leaves room for interpretation: is it excitement, disbelief, or a bit of both? Whatever the case, this unexpected matchup has shaken up the boxing world and set the stage for an unpredictable, high-stakes showdown that has everyone watching closely. The days ahead are bound to be super exciting.