Boxing’s only eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao wants another claim at history as he faces Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight world championship.
Manny Pacquiao is motivated by chasing history as he makes a boxing comeback at 46-years-old, going up against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday (Sunday, PH time).
In what will be Pacquiao’s first fight in four years, he stands to become the second-oldest boxer to become world champion, replacing the late George Foreman, who was 45 years old and 300 days when he won over Michael Moorer in 1994.
Pacquiao will be 46 years and 215 days old when he collides with Barrios.
This shot at history, Pacquiao says, is the driving force behind his comeback, not for anything else or monetary gain.
“I’m not fighting for money,” Pacquiao said.
“I’m here to preserve my reputation and to write another page in history.”
Though dabbling in exhibition fights in the last four years, Pacquiao hasn’t boxed professionally his 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas for the WBA welterweight title.
But as far as he’s concerned, Pacquiao believes that his body is in the right shape to challenge the younger and more active Barrios.
“I feel rejuvenated, like I’m starting over again,” said Pacquiao.
Since losing his senatorial bid in the 2025 midterm elections in the Philippines, the 46-year-old has poured his energy into working on his boxing comeback.
Should he end up victorious, Pacquiao is hoping that his story will serve as an inspiration to many.
“This victory is very important inspiration for young kids. Even though I’m 46, if you are still dreaming in your life, you can make it,” he said.
Though a tremendous underdog against Barrios, who stands a towering 6-foot against Pacquiao’s 5-foot-6 frame, boxing’s only eight-division champion believes there is much more to this matchup than meets the eye.
“I always bring surprises… my time of boxing is not yet done,” he said.
Apart from height, Pacquiao is also significantly older than the 30-year-old Barrios and holds a lesser reach (67”) over his opponent (71”).