Manny Pacquiao Aims for WBC Welterweight Title in Comeback
MANNY PACQUIAO – Pinoy legendary boxer Manny Pacquaio plans to resume his boxing career at the age of 45 with a WBC welterweight title fight against Mario Barrios.
“Pambansang Kamao” Manny Pacquiao retired from professional boxing in August 2021. He is set to face Japanese kickboxing and MMA champion Chihiro Suzuki on July 28 as part of the Super Rizin 3 fight card.
In addition to emphasizing that his three-round fight against Suzuki in Saitama on July 28 is a “serious fight, not an exhibition,” Pacquiao also seems to be preparing to face Mario Barrios, the recently crowned WBC welterweight champion, before the end of the year, according to a report from Philstar.
Sean Gibbons, head of MP Promotions, confirmed that the Saitama fight is on and discussions for a bout with Barrios are ongoing. “Manny’s first world title was with WBC and he’d like to end his career with another WBC title, going full circle,” Gibbons said. “It’s paying respect to WBC. You know Manny, he loves to fight and he’ll give his 100 percent in the ring. This would be his legacy fight if it happens.”
The 45-year-old Pacquiao has not competed in a “real” fight since 2021, when he was defeated by Yordenis Ugas of Cuba for the WBA welterweight title in Las Vegas. The following year, he came back to defeat DK Yoo, an MMA fighter, in a six-round exhibition in South Korea. On April 20, he was supposed to take on Muay Thai icon Buakaw Banchamek in a six-round exhibition bout in Bangkok; however, the bout was called off.
Prior to his recent promotion to full champion, Barrios, 29, held the title of WBC interim welterweight champion for nine months. The man he dethroned, Terrence Crawford, is now the champion “in recess” when he fights Israil Madrimov for the WBA super welterweight title on August 3. With eighteen knockouts, Barrios has a 29-2 record with only two losses, to Gervonta Davis (by KO) and Keith Thurman (by points). Barrios’s height, reach, and youth are his assets; he is six feet tall and has a wingspan of 71 inches. With a reach of 67 inches and a height of 5’5 1/2″, Pacquiao has a notable edge over Barrios due to his expertise.
“Barrios is a solid, quality fighter who beat Ugas,” said Gibbons. “I think he’s easy to hit and he’ll play to Manny’s ball game. It’s a winnable fight for Manny. When asked about Manny’s chances against Crawford, experts were mum. But when asked about Manny’s chances against Barrios, they’re fine. Now, let’s find out if there’s a promoter out there willing to stage it.”
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