Manny Pacquiao trusts in his speed to beat Barrios
Manny Pacquiao explained that Barrios is not faster than him and will take advantage of this to add points and try to make boxing history at 46 years old
Manny Pacquiao is confident that he can beat Mario Barrios, World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion, with his speed and movement on July 19 in Las Vegas.
In an interview with The Ring magazine, Pacquiao explained that Barrios is not faster than him and will take advantage of this to continue adding points and trying to make boxing history at 46 years old.
“The danger lies in laziness in training. The danger lies in not being 100% physically fit when you enter the fight. That’s not healthy, it’s not passion. I’m not going to be like other boxers who returned to 50% just to come back. I’m going to be 100% like before, and whatever happens…” he said.
“Remember, in boxing, speed is key. I’m faster than Barrios. My movement and speed are still there. It was good for my body to rest for four years. I still have the passion and the fire in my eyes; I’m working hard. It’s still there… My coaches aren’t putting pressure on me in this training camp. But they’re watching me to say, ‘Stop, that’s enough.’ But I want more,” he added.
The last time Manny Pacquiao stepped into the ring was in his loss to Cuban Yordenis Ugas in August 2017. 2021. After four years of inactivity, the Filipino will have the opportunity to fight again for the WBC world title, ranking him fifth in the welterweight division.
Pac-Man met in Los Angeles with trainer Freddie Roach and is preparing for this new commitment. It should be noted that the former eight-weight division champion has not won since 2019 when he defeated Keith Thurman.
On the other hand, Mario Barrios did not look as good in his last fight with Abel Ramos and ended up drawing, although many believe he lost that match. Now the American can completely retire Pacquiao or fall to one of the biggest stars in the sport.
The Filipino Manny Pacquiao, 46, will seek to become world champion again against Mario Barrios. The boxing legend has a professional record consisting of 62 wins (39 by knockout), 8 losses, and 2 draws.
For his part, Mario Barrios, 30, retained his WBC welterweight title against Abel Ramos in November 2024. The American has a record of 39 wins (18 by knockout), two losses and one draw as a professional.