Pacquiao Could Face Barrios By The End Of The Year
Manny Pacquiao could make his pro boxing return by fall against Mario Barrios.
Manny retired from professional boxing in 2021 after his loss to Yordenis Ugas. The Filipino no longer looked the same fighter who thrilled fans before winning titles in eight weight classes. Since his retirement, he has had one boxing exhibition. He defeated DK Yoo via a unanimous decision. [And] he will now face former K-1 champion Rukiya Anpo in a three-round exhibition at Super RIZIN 3 on July 28 in Saitama, Japan. He was meant to face RIZIN featherweight champion Chihiro Suzuki initially, but that has now been called off.
Manny already has the record for being the oldest welterweight champion. He did this when he defeated Keith Thurman in the WBA Super World Welterweight Title in 2020 at 40. But given that Manny is now 45, it is tough to see him repeating this feat. However, Barrios’ manager Bob Santos said talks are ongoing, and a fight could happen by the end of the year.
Santos Reacts
“Once Mario was getting elevated, Pacquiao wanted to make history, and Barrios is the guy that he wants to fight for the WBC title. We’re all moving forward, no doubt about it. It’s just a matter of putting together where the fight is gonna be and all the little details here and there. But Manny wants the fight, and Mario wants the fight,” Santos said
Barrios became the full champion after Terence Crawford become a Champion in Recess following his move up to 154 points. Mario want the interim belt against Yordenis Ugas. He defended the title with a victory against Fabian Maidana before being elevated to a full champion. Barrios is in the best form of his career. His only losses have come against Gervonta Davis and Thurman, both who have won world titles.
Should It Happen?
Nevertheless, there are suggestions this fight should not take place. Barrios has the chance to face Jaron Ennis in a huge unification at 147. Ennis holds the IBF title as he became the full champion once Crawford was stripped. Bud did not face Ennis due to the Errol Spence Jr. rematch, even if that broke down. Pacquiao is also 45 years old.
There are always dangers that boxers can suffer extensive damage when they return to the sport at a much later age. Mike Tyson will face Jake Paul on November 15. He will be 58 by the time of the fight.
Meanwhile, Evander Holyfield’s comeback in 2021 also proved problematic. He received sustained punishment, getting dropped, before the fight was stopped in the first round. Pacquiao has nothing to prove in the sport. However, the manager of his promotional company, Sean Gibbons, expects the Filipino to return.
“Let’s be honest, 80 percent of Manny Pacquiao beats most of the guys out there today. Unlike Floyd, Manny didn’t cherry pick his opponents. He fought [Juan Manuel] Marquez, [Erik] Morales and [Marco Antonio] Barrera all at their best weights. He took some losses, yes, but that’s why his record as a welterweight is better than Floyd, than Oscar [De La Hoya], and it will be shown when we make the Barrios fight,” Gibbons said
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