WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios stretches as he works out at Pound 4 Pound Fitness center on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Barrios is scheduled to defend his title towards new Worldwide Boxing Corridor of Fame member Manny Pacquiao, who introduced he was popping out of retirement almost 4 years after his final struggle, on July 19 at MGM Grand Backyard Enviornment in Las Vegas. Ethan Miller/Getty Pictures/AFP
MANILA, Philippines–Solely time will inform whether or not a classic Manny Pacquiao or a model that could be a shell of his former self exhibits up in his comeback struggle on July 19 at MGM Grand Backyard Enviornment in Las Vegas.
Both manner, Mario Barrios isn’t leaving something to probability.
READ: Mario Barrios unfazed by Pacquiao’s status: ‘He’s simply one other man’
Barrios is bracing to defend his WBC welterweight title towards the Pacquiao of outdated–the relentless, lightning fast and unpredictable fighter final seen towards Keith Thurman six years in the past.
“I believe inactivity for many fighters even of their prime it performs an enormous issue of their fights particularly given his age,” stated Barrios throughout a media exercise at Pound 4 Pound Fitness center in Las Vegas when requested about Pacquiao’s return from a four-year retirement.
“We’re simply gonna see on struggle evening however that’s not even one thing I attempt to consider throughout camp. I’m simply attempting to arrange for one of the best model of Pacquiao that I would presumably see.”
Pacquiao had stated the lengthy break did him extra good than hurt because it allowed him to relaxation his physique after decades-long of preventing.
READ: 46-year-old Pacquiao ‘not a simple struggle’ for Mario Barrios–Juan Manuel Marquez
The final time Pacquiao appeared in an official bout was in August 2021 when he suffered a surprising unanimous resolution loss to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas after a lackluster efficiency. He introduced his retirement a month later and ran for the Philippine presidency in 2022.
Pacquiao misplaced his bid for Senate reelection within the midterm elections final Might–an undesired outcome that had him reset his sights again on his boxing profession and obtained his ring return formally off and working.
A victory over Barrios will make the 46-year-old Pacquiao one of many oldest boxers to win a world title. Though, that’s simpler stated than finished particularly towards an opponent with so much to show.
“He’s attempting to do one thing that not a whole lot of fighters have in order a fighter I respect it however once more, I’m a champion for a purpose and I’m simply trying to proceed to show why I’m holding the WBC belt,” Barrios stated.
