After four years away from the ring, eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao is returning to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
Whether inside the ring or in life, Manny Pacquiao has always demonstrated an unwavering ability to rise to the occasion.
He conquered boxing giants like Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, and Antonio Margarito, despite often being undersized.
Now, in his upcoming fight against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, Pacquiao steps into a familiar role, preparing to overcome yet another challenge.
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“I’m okay being the underdog. I’ve been the underdog many times. I’m always bringing surprises,” the 46-year-old Hall of Famer said in a pre-fight press conference in Las Vegas.
That "surprise" came when Pacquiao emerged from his 2021 retirement, following a loss to Yordenis Ugas.
His last professional victory came six years ago against Keith Thurman, via split decision. This was Thurman's first and only loss of his professional boxing career.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in the ring, but I’m still active and training all the time. I’m going to prove to everyone that I’m in great condition,” Pacquiao said.
While many fans wonder how age will affect the Filipino icon’s performance and preparation, especially with his opponent being 16 years younger, the Filipino challenger remains confident.
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Barrios, who stands six inches taller and has a four-inch reach advantage, is the favorite. But Pacquiao isn’t worried.
“I’m here because I love to go toe-to-toe. I want to give the fans what they want. That’s my goal every time I step into the ring,” the former senator said.
“I have confidence in my preparation. We’ve had a tremendous training camp with my whole team. I’m walking into this fight with all that confidence,” Barrios told reporters about his preparations.
Unlike most high-stakes bouts, the buildup to this one has been free of hostility. In fact, the two fighters even shared a laugh during the face-off.
Barrios, following in the footsteps of other Mexican pugilists Pacquiao has faced, is eager to make his own mark in this historic matchup.
“He’s had victories over so many Mexican fighters, and now I’m part of that legacy. But I’ll be on the other side with my hand raised,” a confident Barrios stated.
For a fighter eager to bounce back from a split-decision draw against Abel Ramos, “El Azteca” has one thing on his mind.
“I’m not going in there looking for the knockout, but I’m going in there with bad intentions and power in both hands. I won’t hesitate to pull the trigger,” Barrios added.
As for Pacquiao, who enters his comeback fight with a 62-8-2 record, including 39 knockouts, he’s back in the sport where he made his name. But how much of the dominant fighter he once was will be revealed in just two days’ time.
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“I respect Barrios; he’s a champion, and he works hard too. This is for the fans,” Pacquiao said.