Vintage Pacquiao chases title, history versus Barrios

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Manny Pacquiao, the first Hall of Famer to figure in a title fight right after being inducted, says he feels rejuvenated ahead of his bout against welterweight champion Mario Barrios

LAS VEGAS, USA — A living legend defying aging and pushing his body to the limit. A world champion chasing fame and acclaim.

Manny Pacquiao, 46, and Mario Barrios, 30, are driven by different mindsets in their collision for the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight belt on Saturday, July 19 (Sunday, July 20, Philippine time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Oddsmakers pick Barrios (-300) over Pacquiao (+225) because the sport’s only eight-division world champion is coming from a 47-month layoff and the Mexican-American is 16 years younger, six inches taller, and four inches longer in reach.

For the fans, however, Pacquiao is the clear favorite.

This was evident when chants of “Manny, Manny, Manny…” echoed as he waved to the thousands in attendance during the official weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Friday, July 18 (Saturday, July 19, Manila time).

Pacquiao checked in at 146.8 pounds, while Barrios registered 146.2.

The intriguing pay-per-view clash between a throwback fighter and a current standout is on, with a banner saying “He’s Back” and showing Pacquiao’s 16th fight at MGM Grand, appeared beside the United States flag near the rooftop of the fight venue.

Pacquiao, who last fought and lost to Yordenis Ugas on August 21, 2021, said he returned because “boxing is my passion and I miss boxing” and felt rejuvenated by the long break, interrupted only by exhibition bouts with DK Yoo in December 2022 in Goyang, South Korea, and Rukiya Anpo in July 2024 in Saitama, Japan.

On Saturday, Pacquiao will become the first Hall of Famer to figure in a title fight right after being inducted, adding to his list of accomplishments as three-time Fighter of the Year (2006, 2008, 2009), Fighter of the Decade (2000 to 2009), oldest welterweight champion at 40, only four-time welterweight champion, and only one to reign as champion in four decades.

Pacquiao, despite compiling a 62-8-2 record with 39 knockouts, said he feels young and ready to spring surprises against Barrios, whose resume includes a victory over Ugas and a loss against Keith Thurman, from whom Pacquiao snatched the World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight championship on July 20, 2019.

Barrios, who totes a 29-2-1 slate with 18 knockouts, said: “Pacquiao is a legend, but it’s my time now. I’m approaching this the same way I have all other fights, as just another title-defense.”

Buboy Fernandez, who trains Pacquiao with Freddie Roach, promised a whirlwind assault and predicted that the fight would end in the first three rounds.

Bob Santos, trainer of Barrios, was even more blunt, saying Pacquiao would land either in the hospital or the cemetery after the bout.

Pacquiao has heard even worse taunts and shrugged them off. What he wants is all-out action and doesn’t mind the outcome. The Pacquiao legacy is forever. – Rappler.com