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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider 'Like a real fight': Pacquiao, Barrios prepare for war

'Like a real fight': Pacquiao, Barrios prepare for war

Published Jul 17, 2025 01:12 pm

At A Glance

  • The camp of reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios assured that it will be war against the comebacking Manny Pacquiao.
No stone left unturned.
The camp of reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios assured that it will be a war against the comebacking Manny Pacquiao.
Manny Pacquiao, left, speaks beside WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at a news conference Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Manny Pacquiao, left, speaks beside WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at a news conference Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
And just like the old time, the Filipino boxing Hall of Famer is all for it.
The smiles, the pleasantries – and perhaps, even respect – will be put aside as both Pacquiao and Barrios brace for an all-out brawl when they share the spotlight on Sunday, July 20 (Manila time) at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
Speaking during the final press conference at the same venue on Thursday, July 17, Barrios made it known his intention to beat the Filipino icon convincingly and further prove that he is best fighter in his weight class.
“I believe I am in my prime right now and I am going to show that come Saturday. I’ve been preparing for 12 rounds of non-stop action,” Barrios declared.
“Mario left no stone unturned for this fight. We're ready for all-out war, toe to toe. I got El Azteca – the two-time world champion in two divisions. Give this man his flowers, his props,” his trainer Bob Santos quipped.
If the purpose was to invoke fear and send warning to Team Pacquiao, then those words seemed to fail miserably.
The 46-year-old Pacquiao, whose body is battle-scarred but still craving for war, could only feel excitement hearing Barrios’ declaration.
“That’s what I am here for. That is what I want, to make the fans happy and satisfied. I like that. It's good for the fans,” responded Pacquiao as he flashed a wide smile as if the promise for an all-out fight was music to his ears.
For one, that was what he had been longing for when he first decided to walk away from the ring four years ago – the fight, the grind, and the war.
“It's the same feeling. I am excited – the excitement to get the belt, to win the fight. I know Barrios, he's a champion. He's a good fighter also but on Saturday night our job is to give satisfaction to the fans, entertain the fans,” said Pacquiao.
And as if it’s in his own way of waging war, he added; “Like a real fight not a boring fight.”
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