It’s really happening. After over a year of rumors that Manny Pacquiao was strongly considering making an emphatic return to professional boxing, the legendary Filipino fighter is now just a month-and-a-half away from turning his dream into a reality. On July 19, he will face Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight belt.
Unsurprisingly, Pacquiao has gotten the spotlight in the build-up to the fight. PacMan is the money maker and his story is incredible, but Barrios has his own story to tell. The Mexican-American world champion has revitalized his career after losing to Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Keith Thurman, and he wants to continue building his momentum, no matter who is in the ring with him: even nice guy Pacquiao.
Manny Pacquiao training for his professional boxing comeback
Mario Barrios won’t hesitate to “kill” 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao
Barrios understands he’s going up against a legend, and he admits there isn’t much animosity to motivate him. But he has a job on his hands and Pacquiao is the person standing in his way: “It’s kill or be killed“.
Manny Pacquiao reportedly set for ring return with July title bout
Barrios is in a tough position, at least on paper. If he wins, especially by knockout, he beat up on an old man. If he loses, he’s stripped of his world title belt and becomes the guy who got beat by a 46-year-old. Not to mention, a large majority of fans watching the fight will be cheering for Pacquiao.
There’s a lot on the line for Barrios, with plenty to lose for the 30-year-old world champion. For Pacquiao, there’s not much to lose and plenty to gain. Barrios definitely won’t go easy on him, though, if his comments are to be taken at face value.
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