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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider Manny Pacquiao sets sights on further cementing boxing legacy against Barrios

Manny Pacquiao sets sights on further cementing boxing legacy against Barrios

Published Jun 4, 2025 01:51 pm

At A Glance

  • But as if he has yet to carve out a well-decorated career – one that even saw him rise as one of the greatest the world has ever seen to stand in the boxing ring – the Filipino boxing legend is hitting the comeback trail a month after his induction aiming to cement a whole new legacy.
Manny Pacquiao, center, and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios pose at a news conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Greg Beacham)
Manny Pacquiao, center, and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios pose at a news conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Greg Beacham)

Manny Pacquiao is only just days from heading into the boxing Hall of Fame.

But as if he has yet to carve out a well-decorated career – one that even saw him rise as one of the greatest the world has ever seen to stand in the boxing ring – the Filipino boxing legend is hitting the comeback trail a month after his induction aiming to cement a whole new legacy.

“It means a lot for me, in my boxing career, breaking my own record,” said Pacquiao during the promotional press conference for his fight against American champion Mario Barrios for the World Boxing Council welterweight crown on July 19.

The only eight division world champion is aiming at making history anew, becoming the oldest welterweight titlist in all of boxing – a feat he first achieved when he won against Keith Thurman in 2019.

“But my goal is to leave a legacy to the boxing fans. A legacy that can inspire those young generations who are dreaming to be a champion,” added the 46-year-old, who also ended up sharing the stage with fighters from a generation years after his.

Barrios, for one, wasn't even born when Pacquiao started picking up the gloves and fighting in the ring. It’s been 30 years, and even when he hung up the glove for four years, the itch to fight never wavered.

“I return to boxing because I miss boxing, especially this situation getting interviewed, training camp. I miss that. I’ve been in boxing for more than 30 years so it’s a good thing for me. I got to rest my body for four years,” said Pacquiao.

But that is by no means, Pacquiao is taking the fight lightly – not against a foe as formidable as Barrios who boasts not only the size and reach advantage but also the youth.

“I'm excited for the fans to give a good fight. You know me, I’m so dedicated to my career. Boxing is my passion, the way I train, the way I work hard, punishing myself to the limit and making sure that I can give a good fight,” said Pacquiao.

“I know Mario Barrios, he trained hard and he has to defend his belt. I'm the challenger so I have to go the extra mile to punish myself and able to win the fight and that’s my goal,” he added.

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