Pacquiao hasn't fought professionally since the summer of 2021. He lost to Yordenis Ugas and then focused on his political career. Now, he's ready to lace up the gloves again.
Timothy Bradley, a retired two-weight world champion who fought Pacquiao before, shared his thoughts on the match-up. In a recent YouTube video, Bradley pointed out Barrios' advantages:
"Barrios is 16 years younger, has a 6-inch height advantage, and a 4-inch reach advantage. He's got power, steady feet for counter punching, a good right hand, and a left hook."
Bradley thinks Pacquiao will likely apply pressure, similar to how Ramos did in Barrios' previous fight. He noted that Barrios tends to struggle under pressure.
Despite acknowledging Pacquiao's skills, Bradley predicts Barrios will win:
"Imma go for the young gun man [Barrios], the age alone, that's what I'm going with I'm going with the champion. Hey, can Manny Pacquiao turn back the hand of time? Yeah he probably can, he probably can but not on my watch."
If Pacquiao wins, he'll break his own record as the oldest welterweight world champion. He set that record six years ago when he beat Keith Thurman.
Pacquiao has already started training at the same gym where his career began 24 years ago. The boxing world will watch closely to see if the Filipino legend can turn back the clock one more time.