By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – Four years after hanging up his gloves, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is stepping back into the ring — and he promised to dig deep and show there’s still a lot of fight left in him.
Set to challenge World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on July 19, Pacquiao isn’t just fighting for a belt.
He’s fighting to remind the world of his legendary ability to defy expectations and, in the process, overcome his own feat as the oldest welterweight champion.
He was 40 when he defeated Keith Thurman by split decision for the World Boxing Association super welterweight title in July 2019.
“I feel young. You will see,” the 46-year-old Pacquiao said during the kickoff press conference of their two-city promotional tour in Las Vegas on Sunday (PH time).
“Like I said, I always bring surprises to the fans.”
If he beats Thurman, he will also prove he can still summon the speed, power and endurance that once made him a global phenomenon. He will also make it clear to non-believers it isn’t a farewell tour nor a ceremonial comeback.
“I’m not taking anything lightly. I work hard, I keep punishing myself to the limit,” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, said.
“I can assure that I’m in 100 percent condition for the fight.”
In his last bout, Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) lost on points against Cuban Yordenis Ugas in August 2021.
For Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs), the fight is more than just a title defense. It’s a defining moment for his already stellar pro career.
“I’m ready. I’m a champion for a reason,” the 30-year-old Texan, who claimed the WBC welterweight crown in 2023, said.
“This is my moment. I’m defending my title against a legend. I couldn’t be more honored.”
Despite Pacquiao’s time away from the sport, the younger champion is preparing for nothing less than a vintage performance.
“I’m getting ready and prepared for a prime Pacquiao,” Barrios said.
“I’m stoked for this opportunity. I’m stoked to give the boxing fans and the world of sports a very entertaining fight. I’m just going to continue to show why I’m the champion.” (PNA)
