Why Manny Pacquiao is boxing again for world title against Mario Barrios | Boxing News

[ad_1]

4 years after his final struggle led to a disappointing loss, the legendary Manny Pacquiao is again within the ring and difficult for one more world title.

The 46-year-old will face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on Saturday – however questions stay as as to whether Pacquiao, broadly thought to be probably the greatest boxers in historical past, can mount a severe problem at such a sophisticated age.

Right here’s what it’s essential to know in regards to the residing legend’s boxing comeback towards Barrios:

Why is Pacquiao making a comeback?

Pacquiao, a Corridor of Famer boxer, shrugged off issues about his comeback and says he understands the dangers of reentering the ring towards a competitor like Barrios: A person 16 years his junior, 16cm (6.3in) taller, and the two-time reigning WBC welterweight title holder on the peak of his powers.

“I’m coming again as a result of boxing is my ardour,” Pacquiao mentioned in an interview with ESPN. “It’s all I take into consideration, and I actually wish to make historical past.”

The Filipino icon says this isn’t a one-off struggle however reasonably a primary step in an prolonged return to boxing. Pacquiao claims his motivation to struggle once more is primarily about preserving his aggressive legacy reasonably than cash.

“I’m anxious for my repute,” Pacquiao mentioned in an interview with the BBC. “However I’m ensuring that I’m not a sort of fighter like different fighters that come again however they don’t seem to be exhibiting what they did earlier than.”

What’s at stake for Pacquiao

A loss for Pacquiao towards Barrios would possible be the ultimate nail within the coffin of a superlative boxing profession.

A win can be a thirteenth world championship for the charismatic fighter and add to his already stellar boxing resume.

Broader medical issues over middle-aged boxers reentering the ring, particularly after a protracted lay-off, have been raised, though medical checks have been made on the fighters within the lead-up to the bout.

What’s the date and begin time for Pacquiao vs Barrios?

The struggle is scheduled for Saturday, July 19.

Pacquiao and Barrios are anticipated to undertake their ring walks at 8pm (03:00 GMT on Sunday). The struggle will start shortly thereafter.

The primary undercard begins at 5pm (00:00 GMT on Sunday).

The place is the struggle being held?

Pacquiao vs Barrios will happen at MGM Grand Backyard Enviornment in Las Vegas.

The venue can host greater than 16,000 spectators, making it one of many largest boxing venues in the USA.

Who’s the favorite?

The American is the clear bookmakers’ favorite to retain his world championship title.

“In so lots of my fights I used to be the underdog, and I shocked them… Manny all the time brings surprises,” Pacquiao mentioned.

Actress Sydney Sweeney and 2025 Inductee Manny Pacquiao, proper, pose for a photograph in the course of the Boxing Corridor of Fame Induction Ceremony on the Worldwide Boxing Corridor of Fame on June 8, 2025 in Canastota, New York [Ed Mulholland/Getty Images via AFP]

Profession file: Pacquiao

The Filipino residing legend has received 12 main world championships.

He’s the one competitor to win world titles in eight totally different weight divisions, greater than another boxer in historical past.

His longevity within the sport is equally legendary as the one fighter to seize or retain world titles throughout 4 totally different many years: The Nineteen Nineties, 2000s, 2010s and 2020s.

In June, Pacquiao was inducted into the Worldwide Boxing Corridor of Fame, turning into the third Filipino boxer to obtain the honour.

What’s Pacquiao’s struggle file?

Pacquiao’s final skilled struggle was a call loss towards Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas in 2021 for the WBA world welterweight championship.

His final skilled win was six years in the past towards Keith Thurman, when he grew to become the oldest welterweight champion in historical past.

  • Fights: 72
  • Wins: 62
  • Wins by KO: 39
  • Losses: 8
  • Attracts: 2

What’s Barrios’ struggle file?

The 30-year-old American will likely be defending the WBC title for the second time.

His final struggle was a break up draw resolution towards Abel Ramos on November 15.

  • Fights: 32
  • Wins: 29
  • Wins by KO: 18
  • Losses: 2
  • Attracts: 1
Mario Barrios, right, and Abel Ramos in action.
Mario Barrios, proper, unleashes a punch towards Abel Ramos throughout their WBC world welterweight championship struggle at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, USA, on November 15, 2024 [Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

What has Pacquiao said about the fight?

Pacquiao, who turns 47 in December, feels rejuvenated after four years away from the ring and said he was returning for another opportunity to make history.

“I’m enjoying training camp as much as I did when I was 26 or 29 years old. The motivation to train hard and the discipline are the same,” Pacquiao said at Wednesday’s news conference.

“I mean, it’s because I’ve been away from boxing why I’m still interested and passionate about fighting.

“I cannot imagine that I am still fighting here in the Grand Arena after 24 years. It’s a blessing, a favour from God, and I’m so thankful to be here, still fighting and putting on a good show for the fans,” he said.

Manny Pacquiao in action.
Manny Pacquiao trains at Wild Card Boxing Club on June 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California, US [Melina Pizano/Getty Images via AFP]

What has Barrios mentioned in regards to the struggle?

“Manny has been doing this his complete life and understands what it takes to go in there,” Barrios mentioned. “And he’s making an attempt to be nice. He’s making an attempt to do one thing, combating for a title at his age – and as a fighter, I’ve nothing however respect for that.

“You already know, Manny is a really likeable particular person. I can’t consider something unhealthy to say about him apart from, you understand, he’s going through me for my title.

“On the finish of the day, he’s simply one other man in there. He’s one other opponent making an attempt to take my title, no matter the whole lot he’s achieved and given to the game,” Barrios added on Wednesday.

What’s the struggle prize cash?

The prize cash has not been disclosed.

It has been reported that Pacquiao will make as much as $5m for this bout – in step with comparable funds in his final two fights – with Barrios incomes as much as $1m.

Who’s on the undercard?

  • Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios: WBC welterweight title
  • Sebastian Fundora vs Tim Tszyu: WBC tremendous welterweight championship
  • Isaac Cruz vs Angel Fierro: Tremendous light-weight
  • Brandon Figueroa vs Joet Gonzalez: Featherweight
  • Gary Russell Jr vs Hugo Castaneda: Tremendous featherweight

Tips on how to watch?

This complete struggle card will likely be accessible reside on Prime Video pay-per-view.



[ad_2]

Source link

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top