Manny Pacquiao Vs. Mario Barrios Preview

Manny Pacquiao steps back into the ring at 46 years old to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC Welterweight Belt on July 19, as we preview the upcoming fight. 

Pacquiao’s last professional win dates back to 2019 against Keith Thurman, and his most recent pro fight was a decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021. Since his retirement, “Pacman” has participated in exhibition bouts, the latest of which was against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo. 

Meanwhile, Barrios enters the fight with a disappointing draw against Abel Ramos. A victory over Pacquiao would revitalize his career and position him for a potential unification bout against fellow welterweight Brian Norman Jr. Barrios is the bigger man standing at 6’0” with a 71-inch reach, while Pacquiao is 5’5 ½” with a 67-inch reach. Barrios is also much younger at 30, putting the pressure on him to perform. 

Pre-Fight

“Remember, in boxing, speed is the key. I’m faster than Barrios. My movement and speed is still there. It was good for my body to rest for four years. I still have the passion and fire in my eyes, I am working hard. It’s still there … My trainers are not pushing me in this training camp. But they are watching me to tell me to ‘stop, that’s enough.’ But for me, I want more,” Pacquiao stated 

“If the roles were reversed, Pacquiao wouldn’t try to take it easy on me. He’s not going to feel sorry for me in there. It’s just the reality of the sport.I am ready to defend my title by any means necessary. It’s kill or be killed in there. I have to go in there and make sure my hand is raised by any means necessary, whether it’s by knockout or by decision. He has age. I have to be ready for whatever he brings. He’s such a likable dude. It’s hard to be like, ‘Man, I’m about to square up with him for my title.’ But I am going in there with bad intentions. I am trying to get him out of there,” Barrios said 

Full Card

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios – WBC Welterweight Championship

Tim Tszyu vs. Sebastian Fundora – WBC Junior Middleweight Championship

Isaac Cruz vs. Angel Fierro – Junior Welterweight

Brandon Figueroa vs. Joet Gonzalez – WBC Welterweight Championship