The legendary Manny Pacquiao hasn’t fought since August 2021, yet the 46-year-old swears the familiar hunger still gnaws. At Tuesday’s Los Angeles press conference the Filipino great said months of mountain runs and home-gym sparring have reignited the “fire, determination and eagerness” that carried him through two decades of superfights. On July 19, inside Las Vegas’ MGM Grand, he challenges WBC welterweight ruler Mario Barrios, insisting the title shot justifies the brutal training camp he calls “punishing myself to win.” Pacquiao promised fans “a lot of action” and framed the bout as a chance to inspire a younger generation and to extend a legacy that already spans eight weight classes.
Barrios, eleven years younger and coming off a split draw with Abel Ramos, greeted the moment with equal parts respect and resolve. The San Antonio native said facing a living legend is surreal - “I never pictured this unfolding” - but warned that on fight night Pacquiao becomes “just another man trying to take what’s mine.” Barrios believes lessons from his battles with Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman, particularly dealing with speed and angles, prime him for Pacquiao’s southpaw bursts. “I’m champion for a reason,” he said. “July 19 I’ll show it.”
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The pay-per-view undercard adds two grudge rematches: WBC super-welter boss Sebastian Fundora defends against Tim Tszyu after their blood-soaked split decision in March, and former lightweight titlist Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz tries to repeat February’s win over countryman Ángel Fierro. Brandon Figueroa opens the show against Joet Gonzalez in a must-win clash at featherweight.
Pacquiao, asked if a victory would mark a storybook finish, dodged retirement talk. “Manny Pacquiao always gives surprises,” he smiled. Yet he admitted the “extra mile” comment is more literal than ever: age demands harder camps, longer ice baths, deeper faith.
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Image Credit: PBC