Manny Pacquiao insists a disputed draw with WBC welterweight ruler Mario Barrios is merely the opening act of his second career. Speaking in Los Angeles, the eight-division icon said he’d banked “eight-four, maybe seven-five” on his mental scorecard by the end of round ten and was “surprised” when judges left the bout level at 114-114 (twice) and 115-113 Barrios.
The 46-year-old revealed a truncated two-month camp - delayed by Philippine senate elections—left him short on recovery time, yet satisfied he can still compete at championship pace. “With three or four months’ training I can come back 100 percent for any style,” Pacquiao said, adding he believes he could fight again before turning 47 in December.
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Advisor Sean Gibbons singled out WBA titlist Rolando “Rolly” Romero as the front-runner for Pacquiao’s next opponent, citing Romero’s belt, knockout power and promotional flair. Pacquiao agrees the target must wear gold: “I’m not interested in B-class fighters just for money. I want to fight with honor, in a competitive fight.”
Pacquiao credits clean living - his Philippine estate boasts a full gym, basketball and badminton courts - and faith for his longevity. “The Bible says Moses’ strength never changed even at 120. With discipline and belief in God, He will give you strength,” he said. Aware of critics who called Saturday’s comeback quixotic, Pacquiao smiles: “They said I’d last four or five rounds. They got bashed after the fight.”
Legacy, the Senator-turned-Hall-of-Famer insists, outweighs any single result. But reclaiming a welterweight belt remains on his bucket list.
Image Credit: Sky Sports