Pacquiao, known as "Pac-Man," will step into the ring on July 19th for a WBC welterweight title fight against Barrios. The boxing world can't help but raise eyebrows at the age gap between the two fighters.
At 46, Pacquiao boasts an impressive record of 62 wins, including 39 knockouts, in his 72 professional fights. His last bout in 2021 ended in a one-sided points loss to Yordenis Ugás. Since then, Pacquiao tried and failed to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics before deciding on this comeback for the WBC welterweight title.
Benn shared his thoughts on the fight in a recent interview with iFL TV. He said:
"The WBC title was very, very real and part of me goes I wish I fought for the WBC title but ultimately you've got Barrios v Pacquiao. I think Barrios is going to be in for a hard fight to be honest, I think Pacquiao could win it."
Benn regrets not chasing the WBC title himself. He's got his hands full with a rematch against Chris Eubank Jr in September, following a unanimous points loss in April. That fight will take place two weight classes above Benn's natural division.
The British fighter will likely challenge the winner of Pacquiao vs Barrios for the WBC title next year. For now, all eyes are on the July 19th showdown to see if Pacquiao can turn back the clock one more time.