Ryan Garcia has publicly endorsed a world title fight between Manny Pacquiao and new champion Liam Paro. Garcia believes the 47-year-old Pacquiao has the ability to defeat Paro and break his own record as the oldest welterweight champion in history.
The suggestion from a current titleholder adds significant weight to Pacquiao’s continued ambitions. Pacquiao last held a major belt after defeating Keith Thurman in 2019 at age 40, but lost it two years later to Yordenis Ugas. A comeback attempt last year for the WBC title then held by Mario Barrios was unsuccessful. With a rumored rematch against Floyd Mayweather reportedly in jeopardy, a championship bout against a new titleholder presents a direct path for Pacquiao to achieve his goal.
Garcia made his position clear on social media following Paro’s recent title victory. He stated: “I believe if ‘Pac’ fights Paro he becomes world champion.” This is more than a simple endorsement. Garcia likely sees a stylistic opening for the veteran Filipino. Paro, an Australian, has already expressed interest in the fight and aims to replicate Jeff Horn’s high-pressure victory over Pacquiao on home soil. Garcia’s comment suggests he feels Pacquiao still possesses the speed and ring intelligence to overcome that type of challenge, something he struggled with against the longer, more tactical Ugas.
The stakes are clear for everyone involved. For Pacquiao, it is a final chance at securing a historic legacy, pushing the age record for a welterweight champion into territory that may never be broken. A victory would be a remarkable conclusion to an already legendary career. For Liam Paro, a fight with Pacquiao represents a career-defining event. It brings a massive payday and global attention that no other opponent can offer, instantly elevating his profile regardless of the outcome.
