Manny Pacquiao links up with Maxx Crosby in visit to practice facility

Story by

Story by
Manny Pacquiao links up with Maxx Crosby in visit to practice facility

Garrett Kerman · ClutchPoints

Thu, Jul 17, 2025 ·

3 min read

The Pacman Meets Maxx Crosby

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.

Pacquiao's Four-Year Journey Back

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.

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 the world will be watching to see if lightning can strike again.

As Pacquiao finalizes preparations at his Las Vegas camp and soaks in the city's sporting atmosphere, his improbable title challenge serves as a reminder of his enduring influence. Whether or not he reclaims championship gold, Pacquiao's comeback story is already inspiring, a testament to the heart of a fighter who refuses to be defined by age or expectations.

As the MGM Grand prepares for a seismic showdown, Pacquiao's Raider Nation detour and his unlikely return to one of boxing's top stages signal only one thing, never count out a legend who's fueled by ambition, legacy, and the roar of the crowd.