Manny Pacquiao is getting ready to step back into the ring. The 46-year-old boxing legend will end his four-year retirement to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao's last fight was in 2019 when he beat Keith Thurman to become the oldest welterweight champion ever. Now, he's trying to break his own record.
Thurman, who has fought both Pacquiao and Barrios, thinks the younger fighter might have the edge. He shared his thoughts in a recent interview.
"I just slightly favour Mario Barrios. I think we're in a new generation, and this is a sign. Pacquiao loses to Barrios and its out with the old, this is a complete new generation, we ain't going to hear those names anymore like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. It'll be a done deal."
Thurman knows what he's talking about. He beat Barrios in a tough fight back in February 2022. He thinks Barrios needs to make Pacquiao work hard in the ring.
"If Barrios makes him work for it, don't just try to beat up Pacquiao, make him work for it. Go back and watch how Pacquiao lost to Ugas."
This fight means a lot for both boxers. Pacquiao has said he wants one more big fight before he hangs up his gloves for good. For Barrios, beating a legend like Pacquiao could cement his place in the new generation of boxing stars.
