(Photo credit score: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images)
Nearly 4 years after his final skilled combat, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring on Saturday evening, the place he’ll face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in a title bout on the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The beloved fighter, 46, recognized to many as ‘PacMan’ is giving up 4 inches in attain (71 inches vs. 67 inches), greater than six inches in peak (6-foot to 5-foot-5-1/2) and greater than 16 years in age to Barrios, who will defend his belt for the second time.
Pacquiao (62-8-2) already holds the file for many titles. A win Saturday would prolong his mark to 13 throughout eight weight lessons.
While getting ready for the combat, Pacquiao has mentioned he has retained his ardour for the game and the starvation to be a champion as soon as once more.
‘I’m nonetheless energetic when it comes to train, coaching like (a boxer). The followers may be frightened about my situation, however that is what I must show,’ the Filipino fighter mentioned at a press convention Wednesday.
Pacquiao misplaced his final professional combat in a unanimous resolution to Yordenis Ugas on Aug. 21, 2021. His most up-to-date professional win got here six years in the past this Sunday in opposition to Keith Thurman in the identical enviornment the place he’ll combat Saturday.
In the interim, Pacquiao has fought in two exhibition matches. The final came about on July 28, 2024. It was a three-round bout in opposition to Japanese MMA fighter Rukiya Anpo. With no judges scoring, the match was dominated a draw as neither fighter delivered a knockout.
Pacquiao fought at 152 kilos within the combat. The welterweight class goes as much as 147.
The former Philippine senator, who fell quick in a May election to return to workplace, isn’t any stranger to Vegas. He’s fought there 22 occasions over the previous 24 years.
Wednesday’s press convention was cordial between the camps, however Barrios (29-2-1) mentioned the pleasantries will finish as soon as the 2 enter the ring.
‘I can not consider something dangerous to say about him, aside from he is going through me for my title,’ the Mexican-American fighter advised reporters. ‘It’s all smiles proper now. It has been throughout this complete lead-up, however come combat evening, you already know that smile, it isn’t going to be on his face anymore, and neither will mine.’
There shall be scores of followers hoping that Pacquiao can reclaim his magic as soon as extra. However, it is Barrios, who fought Abel Ramos to a draw final November to maintain the belt, who comes into the match as a heavy favourite.
The weigh-in for the bout will happen on Friday.
–Field Level Media