Manny Pacquiao will step back into the ring on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The 46-year-old Filipino legend will face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, marking his return to professional boxing after a four-year hiatus.
Pacquiao's last pro fight ended in a loss to Yordenis Ugas. Since then, he's kept busy with exhibition bouts against DK Yoo in 2022 and Rukiya Anpo earlier this year. Now, he's gearing up for a full-fledged comeback.
In an interview with FOX Sports Australia, Pacquiao talked about his preparation for the fight:
"This is like the Margarito fight or the De La Hoya fight, he's taller than me so I'm not going to take it easy, I have to train hard like what I did before, like the speed, power, stamina, everything like that, you know how I train,"
The size difference isn't the only challenge Pacquiao faces. At 46, he's 16 years older than Barrios. When asked about the age gap in a YouTube clip, Pacquiao simply said, "Don't worry about it."
If Pacquiao wins, he'll break his own record as the oldest world welterweight champion in boxing history. He set the current record in 2019 at age 40 when he defeated Keith Thurman for the WBA welterweight title, his most recent victory.
Pacquiao's focus in training remains on his trademark speed, power, and stamina. These attributes have been key to his success throughout his career, and he'll need them all against the younger, taller Barrios.
The boxing world watches with interest as Pacquiao attempts this ambitious comeback. Can the Filipino legend turn back the clock one more time? We'll find out on July 19 in Las Vegas.
