Manuel Marquez Declares: “Pacquiao is the New Champion” After Comeback Fight Victory

Manila, Philippines — July 13, 2025 — In a surprising turn of admiration and respect, retired Mexican boxing legend Juan Manuel Márquez has publicly praised former rival Manny Pacquiao, declaring him the “new champion” following Pacquiao’s latest victorious bout in his return to the boxing ring.

The statement, which Márquez gave in a recent sports media interview, comes after Pacquiao’s much-anticipated comeback fight last weekend, where the Filipino icon scored a decisive win against an undefeated younger opponent in Dubai. Despite their contentious past and legendary rivalry that spanned four fights, Márquez offered nothing but recognition this time around.

“Pacquiao continues to prove why he is one of the greatest. After all these years, to still fight at that level — he is a true champion,” said Márquez, whose words made headlines across Spanish and Filipino sports outlets.

Historic Rivalry Revisited

Juan Manuel Márquez and Manny Pacquiao fought four times between 2004 and 2012, in one of the most iconic rivalries in modern boxing history. Their matches were known for razor-thin scorecards, dramatic knockdowns, and contrasting fighting styles. Their final bout in 2012 ended with Márquez knocking out Pacquiao in the sixth round — a moment that sealed Márquez’s place in boxing history and added intensity to their complex legacy.

While both fighters retired with Hall-of-Fame careers, there remained public speculation about lingering tension between them, as neither fully closed the door on a potential fifth bout. However, Márquez’s recent comments appear to mark a turning point — a gesture of mutual respect more than a decade after their final meeting in the ring.

Pacquiao’s Return to Boxing

Manny Pacquiao’s return fight in 2025 took place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, where he faced rising welterweight star Liam Jordan. Despite being 46 years old, Pacquiao outboxed the younger opponent across 10 rounds, winning by unanimous decision.

His footwork, speed, and endurance defied expectations, with commentators describing the performance as “vintage Pacquiao.” The win reignited speculation about more high-profile fights in the future, though Pacquiao has yet to confirm any additional matchups.

When asked about Márquez’s praise, Pacquiao responded humbly:

“I’m grateful. We had a tough rivalry, but I always respected him. Hearing those words means a lot.”

A Moment of Sportsmanship

Márquez’s acknowledgment of Pacquiao’s recent win is being viewed as a moment of sportsmanship and maturity — a gesture that transcends their history inside the ring. It also reminds fans of the deep respect many top fighters hold for each other despite fierce rivalries.

Sports analysts noted that Márquez, a tactician and fierce competitor, rarely offers such public praise, especially toward former opponents. His words, therefore, carry weight not only for fans of Pacquiao but for the broader boxing community.

What’s Next for Pacquiao?

Following his win, Pacquiao has remained noncommittal about a full return to active boxing. He stated that he trained hard for this single match and wanted to “feel the ring again.” Whether this leads to a series of farewell fights or a stepping stone into coaching or promotion remains uncertain.

For now, the world celebrates a living legend’s return — and one of his greatest rivals, Juan Manuel Márquez, is the first to salute him.

Related Articles for Further Reading:

Pacquiao Returns: A Breakdown of His Dubai Victory and What It Means for Boxing
The Greatest Rivals in Boxing History: Pacquiao vs. Márquez Retrospective
Juan Manuel Márquez: Career Highlights and Post-Retirement Life
Legends Speak: Boxing Icons on Pacquiao’s Legacy After His Comeback
Can Pacquiao Still Fight at 46? Trainers and Analysts Weigh In