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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider Manny Pacquiao out to stun Mario Barrios in comeback fight

Manny Pacquiao out to stun Mario Barrios in comeback fight

Published Jul 19, 2025 11:19 am

At A Glance

  • The Filipino ring icon will again lace up his gloves on Sunday, July 19, (Manila time) four years after hanging them, chasing yet another milestone in bidding to dislodge World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios off his perch.
Manny Pacquiao, left, and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios pose at a ceremonial weigh in Friday, July 18, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Manny Pacquiao, left, and WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios pose at a ceremonial weigh in Friday, July 18, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
By JUNE NAVARRO, Contributor
LAS VEGAS -- Manny Pacquiao climbed onto the stage amid the bright lights, blare and ovation, precisely receiving the same degree of adulation as if the only eight-division world champion in boxing never walked away from the sport.
The Filipino ring icon will again lace up his gloves on Sunday, July 19, (Manila time) four years after hanging them, chasing yet another milestone in bidding to dislodge World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios off his perch.
“The power and speed are still there. The fire in my eyes is still there. Now that I'm back, I'm really excited to fight and I'm hungry to win again,” said Pacquiao during weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, July 18.
The 46-year-old former Senator from General Santos City looked razor sharp in training in his protracted grapple with Father Time, but standing on Pacquiao's way of becoming the only second oldest boxer to seize a world title after Bernard Hopkins is the 30-year-old Barrios. 
Hopkins won a light heavyweight title in the twilight of his career at 49 years old.
“I will approach it the same way that I did in previous fights. Manny has accomplished so much, but it's my time now and I'm gonna show that come Saturday,” said Barrios, who compiled 29 wins in 32 fights, highlighted by 18 knockouts and tainted by two losses and a draw.
Former world champion Mark Magsayo faces Jorge Mata of Mexico in a 10-round super-featherweight clash prior to the Pacquiao-Barrios main dish. 
Also serving as an aperitif is the eight-round middleweight battle between Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial and American Bernard Joseph.
This gambling mecca had been good to Pacquiao, who fought in Sin City 22 times, including 15 at the MGM Grand.
“Those four years that I retired I really missed boxing. It's good for my body. I was able to rest for four years because I had been in boxing for so many decades,” said Pacquiao, who will return to the ring carrying 62 wins, including 39 knockouts, with eight defeats and two draws. 
“I know the fans are waiting for a good fight, and I know Barrios is working hard. Our job is to entertain and give our fans a good fight,” he added. 
Pacquiao, who dropped a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas in 2021 that prompted him to retire, is reportedly set to receive $5 million to $10 million for the fight.
A Pacquiao victory would usher him as the first active fighter to capture a world title after being immortalized in boxing's Hall of Fame.
“He's a hard guy to dislike. But at the end of the day, you know it's kill or be killed. I'm going in there with bad intentions and power in both hands. I won't hesitate to pull the trigger,” said the six-foot Barrios, who is projected to become $500,000 to $1 million richer after the fight.
Pacquiao has been highly regarded as the “Mexican Slayer,” having defeated Mexicans Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Antonio Margarito, Oscar Larios, Hector Velasquez, Emmanuel Lucero and Oscar Dela Hoya, so beating the Filipino will be sweet for Barrios.
Pacquiao sprang out of exile to challenge Barrios, taking advantage of a WBC rule that permits former champions to request a title fight when rising from retirement.
Barrios was installed as a clear favorite by oddsmakers in sending Pacquiao to his ninth defeat, something that only fired up the latter.  
“I'm okay being the underdog. I've been the underdog many times. I'm always bringing surprises,” said Pacquiao.
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