VICTOR ORTIZ WOULD 'BET EVERYTHING' ON MANNY PACQUIAO IN FLOYD MAYWEATHER REMATCH

Former WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz has said that he backs Manny Pacquiao to triumph against Floyd Mayweather if their fight will be recorded as a professional boxing match.  

The original announcement of the rematch between the two all-time greats broadcast on Netflix is still down as professional bout on Boxrec to take place at The Sphere in Las Vegas on September 19. However, Mayweather told reporters three weeks ago that “This is not actually a fight. It’s an exhibition.” It remains to be seen how the fight will be stipulated.  

“You know, I’ll be rooting for Manny,” Ortiz told Seconds Out. “But the truth is, Floyd doesn’t sign up for fights he thinks he’s at risk of losing.” 

Ortiz (33-7-3, 25 KOs) collided with Mayweather in 2012, losing a fourth stoppage surrounded by bad blood.  

“Why did he choose Pacquiao as his opponent? Maybe it’s because it’s an exhibition. I don’t know for sure. Personally, I’d bet everything on Manny winning. But, again, Floyd doesn’t take part in fights he can’t win.” 

Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs) has taken part in many exhibitions since hanging up hia gloves in 2017. On the other hand, Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) broke his retirement of nearly four years to face Mario Barrios last July, sharing a majority-draw with he WBC welterweight champion in a fight many pundits believed the former eight division world champion won. The pair are tentatively scheduled to rematch over eleven on from their first meeting, where Mayweather won a comfortable unanimous-decision.

- Adam Noble-Forcey

JAKE PAUL SLAMS BOXING ISSUES AMID FLOYD MAYWEATHER- MANNY PAQUIAO TENSION

 

Credit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable Promotions

Jake Paul delivered a sharp public critique of boxing this week, calling the sport “archaic” while directly addressing Floyd Mayweather Jr. during ongoing talks for a rematch with Manny Pacquiao. The comments came in an interview with Fight Hub TV and quickly spread online. Paul focused on how top-level negotiations often slow down major fights.

His remarks arrive as plans move forward for a September 19, 2026, bout in Las Vegas. The rematch follows their 2015 fight, which Mayweather won by unanimous decision and remains one of boxing’s biggest events. The upcoming fight is set to stream on Netflix.

Jake Paul Calls Out Boxing Culture

Jake Paul used the moment to speak about what he sees as a bigger problem in boxing. He said the sport struggles with professionalism at the highest level.

“The problem with boxing is people in the sport who aren’t professional,” Paul said. “And it makes us all look bad. It’s terrible, and it’s so archaic and old.”

He pointed to the role of teams and decision-makers behind fighters. According to Paul, some of these groups create delays that affect major events. He said the presence of large egos makes it harder to complete deals.

Jake Paul also spoke about how this affects the sport’s image. He said the lack of smooth negotiations hurts both fighters and fans. His comments focused on the structure of boxing and how it operates during fight talks.

Contract Disputes Highlighted in Mayweather Talks

Paul then turned his attention to the details that often come up in negotiations. He listed issues like glove type, ring size, and footwear rules.

“And it all comes down to… it’s down to like, ‘Oh well, ring size and you can’t wear these shoes. And this type of glove. You can’t wear THIS GLOVE,’” Paul said.

He linked these points to the ongoing discussions about the Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch. While no official dispute has been confirmed publicly, Paul suggested that such issues are common in big fights.

“It’s just, bro, stop being a bitch. Just fight. That is the problem with [the] sport,” he added. “That’s probably what they are running into: lack in professionalism and IQ.”

The rematch is set to take place at The Sphere in Las Vegas. It will be the first professional boxing event at the venue. The fight also marks more than a decade since their first meeting at the MGM Grand. That 2015 event drew 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and generated record revenue.

Reaction Builds as Rematch Approaches

Paul’s comments have led to mixed reactions across boxing audiences. Some observers pointed to long-standing issues in the sport’s business side. Others noted that similar delays have affected major fights in the past.

The upcoming rematch already carries strong interest due to the history between Mayweather and Pacquiao. Both fighters are now in their late 40s and remain among the most recognized names in boxing. The Netflix broadcast adds another layer by bringing the fight to a global streaming audience without the traditional pay-per-view model.

As of now, Mayweather has not responded publicly to Paul’s remarks. There has also been no official statement linking current negotiations to the issues Paul raised.

Paul, who recently fought Mike Tyson in a Netflix-streamed exhibition, continues to speak about changes he believes boxing needs. His latest comments place attention on how major fights come together behind the scenes.

With the fight date set, attention now remains on whether the rematch will move forward without delay.

- Dogli Wilberforce

FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR VS. MANNY PACQUIAO II | COMING ON NETFLIX

 

SOME OF 15 RICHEST BOXERS OF ALL TIME

 

FANS REACT AS PACQUIAO RETURNS TO TRAINING – ‘P4P GREAT’

Credit: Henry Bedoy/MP Productions https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a28423916/manny-pacquiao-training-after-40-thurman-fight/

Manny Pacquiao is back in training, but there has been no agreement reached with Floyd Mayweather over a rematch, as fans reacted to his workout footage.

Reports indicate that Manny is trying to finalize a rematch with Mayweather, who is currently retired, to avenge his 2015 loss. Manny came out of a 4-year retirement in July at 46 to secure a majority draw against WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios. Manny has said his next fight will be on January 24, or an April 2026 date for the IBA Pro World Title. Rolando Romero, the WBA Welterweight Champion, was mentioned as an opponent. However, Romero has been ordered to face his WBA mandatory Shakhram Giyasov. 

Pacquiao’s Future

“Manny Pacquiao is widely beloved around the globe, he is a true boxing legend who wants to leave legacy beyond the ring. His life story mirrors the spirit of IBA’s mission: giving every young boxer a fair chance to have achieve their dreams. We have been helping children as an organization, while Manny has been doing it all alone. Now, we will continue to help our children together as a united IBA boxing family and extend Manny’s programs beyond the borders,” Umar Kremlev (IBA President)

“Under the visionary leadership of President Umar Kremlev, the IBA has entered a Golden Era — an era where every boxer, from every country, can dream, fight, and succeed on equal terms. I am proud to join this mission — to make sure no young boxer is left behind, no champion is forgotten, and no nation is excluded. As Vice President, I will dedicate myself to building bridges — between amateurs and professionals, between East and West, between generations and cultures. I believe boxing can unite people in ways that politics never can. It can change lives, transform communities, and bring peace where there is division,” Pacquiao stated.

Things have also been complicated by Manny’s appointment as Vice President of the International Boxing Association (IBA). While Manny wants the Mayweather rematch, Floyd has said there is no news if ‘people don’t hear it from him.’ Regardless, Manny has been staying in shape. The following clip shows Manny hitting the punch bag with rapper BlueFace being one of the observers. 

PACQUIAO RETURNS TO RING JANUARY 24 WITH WBA CHAMPION ROMERO IN SIGHT

Learning from his July comeback fight that ended in a draw, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao plans to have a longer training camp for his next bout

PUNCH. Manny Pacquiao fights Mario Barrios at MGM Grand Garden Arena.

STEPHEN R. SYLVANIE/IMAGN IMAGES/REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao is returning to the ring on January 24, 2026, in the United States.

Boxing’s lone eight-division world champion announced his second comeback bout in Las Vegas on social media on Tuesday, October 7 (Wednesday, October 8, Philippine time).

Although Pacquiao, already inducted into the sports Hall of Fame, did not mention his opponent, Rolando Romero looms large.

The video announcement was posted by Indistry Media, a global streaming network and entertainment agency. 

Pacquiao, who’ll be 47 years old on fight night, wants another crown, and Romero’s World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight belt is a logical target.

A few hours after Pacquiao’s announcement made the rounds, Ring Magazine posted a video of Romero throwing combinations to an imagined foe in the streets of London.

Viva Promotions then posted a photo of Pacquiao showing off his still well-chiseled physique.

“Hello to all my boxing fans. I’m excited to let you know that I will be returning to the ring January 24 in Las Vegas,” Pacquiao said in the video. “It is going to be an exciting and special event. Stay tuned. More news to come on my opponent in the next few days.”

After virtually four years of inactivity, Pacquiao sought Mario Barrios’ World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title last July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Despite only six months of intense training, Pacquiao did so well that sports pundits thought that he won. Barrios pulled off a majority draw.

Learning from that experience, Pacquiao said he would have a longer training camp, at least eight weeks, for his next bout.

Pacquiao is expected to return to the United States in November as Manny Pacquiao Promotions is making its initial foray in California on November 29, 2025, with his son, Jimuel, making his professional debut.

- ROY LUARCA

FERNANDO VARGAS REACTS TO MANNY PACQUIAO VS. MANNY PACQUIAO BOUT

DANNY GARCIA ON PACQUIAO VS BARRIOS

 

MANNY PACQUIAO FULL POST-FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE

MARIO BARRIOS FULL POST-FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE

 

MANNY PACQUIAO VS. MARIO BARRIOS | FULL PRESS CONFERENCE

FULL FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS | MANNY PACQUIAO VS. MARIO BARRIOS

PACQUIAO VS. BARRIOS FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS

 

MANNY PACQUIAO VS. MARIO BARRIOS RESULTS: FIGHT CARD HIGHLIGHTS

Manny Pacquiao made a triumphant return to the boxing ring.

Even if it didn’t end in victory.

Fighting for the first time in nearly four years, the 46-year-old Pacquiao and 30-year-old Mario Barrios fought to a majority draw. The judges scored the welterweight bout 115-113 (in favor of Barrios), 114-114, 114-114 and Barrios retained his WBC welterweight title.

Manny Pacquiao reacts next to Mario Barrios after their WBC welterweight title fight ended in a majority draw.
© Harry How, Getty Images

The crowd booed, but Pacquiao called it a "wonderful" fight. It was an inspired performance from Pacquiao against a fighter 16 years younger than him.

"I thought I won the fight. I mean, it’s close fight," Pacquiao said. "My opponent very tough. … Wonderful fight.’’

Barrios said he thought he “pulled (the fight) out. But I still tip my hat to Manny. It was an honor to share the ring with him.’’

Manny Pacquiao's incredible stamina

Barrios said he was surprised by Pacquiao’s stamina at age 46.

“It was crazy. His stamina. He could still crack. He’s still strong as hell. And, you know, his timing is real and everything. He was still a very awkward fighter to try to figure out.’’

Pacquiao had not fought since 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision.

Pacquiao was asked about his stamina and how he pulled this off at age 46.

“Oh, just work hard. Hard work and then discipline. Everything like that.’’

What's next for Manny Pacquiao?

In the final rounds, Barrios said, his corner was telling him to pick it up and start pressing Pacquiao.

“That was the plan in the first place coming in here, try to make him feel old. But, man, he has such good legs, he has a lot in the tank. And … he still has a lot of fight left in him.’’ 

Barrios said he would give Pacquiao a rematch after being told by broadcaster Jim Gray that’s what Pacquiao wanted.

“Absolutely,’’ Barrios said.

Asked if he will fight again, Pacquiao said, “I think so. I think so. God willing.’’

The crowd cheered. 

©Harry How, Getty Images
Sebastian Fundora poses with his team after his TKO victory over Tim Tszyu.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios: Round-by-round analysis

Welterweight bout, 12 rounds

Round 1

Manny Pacquiao is back! But, for how long? We’ll soon know as he and Mario Barrios respond to the sound of the bell. But before it sounds, up go the chants, “Man-ny! Man-ny!” Boy, Barrios is significantly bigger than Pacquaio. Barrios connects with his jab twice. Pacquiao looks a little unsure as he gets hit with the jab despite the chants. Pacquiao throws a left that lands to Barrios' head. Pacquiao eats a jab from Barrios. Throws a left and takes a right from Barrios. Pacquiao lands a right and later rushes in but without conviction. Barrios looks prepared. Barrios 10, Pacquiao 9

Round 2

Barrios out quick with his jab. Barrios a little more aggressive with the jab. Barrios lands a jab and slips to the canvas. A clear slip. Barrios working that jab. Barrios using his reach well. Pacquiao less active in this round. Pacquiao lands a hard left and Barrios counters with a jab. Barrios peppering Pacquiao with the jab as the round ends. Barrios 20, Pacquiao 18

Round 3

Pacquiao rushes in for a left. The speed is there, but the punch did not connect. Pacquiao looking more aggressive. Barrios connects with a right to the body. Barrios connects with a jab as Pacquiao tries to close the distance. Pacquiao complaining about low blows. The ref shakes off the complaint. Clearly those body shots are bothering Pacquiao. Pacquiao lands a couple of punches and Barrios connects. Barrios 30, Pacquiao 27

Round 4

Pacquiao scores and back comes two fists from Barrios. Pacquiao lunges in for a shot, and Barrios seems prepared. The speed and power for which Pacquiao was known simply not apparent here. Barrios using his size difference. Pacquiao doing his best to close the gap but so far it’s not enough. Barrios 40, Pacquiao 36

Round 5

Pacquiao squirms in and lands to Barrios’ body. That looked like vintage Pacquiao. Is there more there? Pacquiao again, darts in and lands a left. Barrios counters with jabs. Pacquiao darts in again for the left. Pacquiao evades a punch and shows some quickness. Pacquiao closes with a flourish. Barrios 49, Pacquiao 46

Round 6

Pacquiao closes the gap and lands to the body and the head. There’s some old Manny. Barrios lands a snapping jab and follows it up with another. But Pacquiao is fighting through the punches in an attempt to land them. Pacquiao taking chances and lands a few body shots in close quarters. Pacquaio takes a punch but closes with a flourish. Barrios 58, Pacquaio 56

Round 7

Barrios still fighting behind the jab. In comes Pacquiao and he lands a combination. Then does it again! Barrios counters with a right. For all of Barrios’ size advantage, he’s yet to really hurt Pacquiao. Pacquiao takes a shot and gives one back. Up go the chants again: “Manny, Manny!’’ Barrios 67, Pacquiao 66

Round 8

Barrios lands a solid right and then a body shot. Pacquiao didn’t like that one. Barrios throwing punches but no successful combinations. He looks passive now as Pacquiao scores. Pacquiao was under siege and fired back. He turned back the clock there! Barrios 76, Pacquiao 76

Round 9

Pacquiao getting stronger? He’s taking it to Barrios now. Barrios punches, and Pacquiao immediately responds – with combinations. Now it’s Barrios looking tentative and unsure of himself. The crowd bathing Manny in chants. Pacquiao 86, Barrios 85

Round 10

Barrios strikes early. A hard exchange of body shots. Barrios lands a hard combo. But Barrios still looks a little tentative, but lands a hard left there. Pacquiao going toe to toe with a man 16 years younger than he is. More chants of “Manny, Manny!’’ Those massive Pacquiao claves have served him well. Pacquiao 96, Barrios 94

Round 11

Barrios strikes with both hands and with force. Then connects with the jab before Pacquiao responds. Pacquiao scores with a right hook and follows up with another before Barrios pounces. Pacquiao ducks a punch and delivers one. Still showing quickness, then eats a jab from Barrios. Pacquiao 105, Barrios 104

Round 12

They hug before the round begins. Barrios scores with a jarring right. Barrios lets fly with both hands. Pacquiao counters with a left. Up go the chants again with about a minute left. No overtime, folks. Barrios looking good as the round closes. The crowd is on its feet, even as Barrios looks in command. Pacquiao 114, Barrios 114

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios fight card results

• Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios declared majority draw, welterweight bout, 12 rounds

• Sebastian Fundora def. Tim Tszyu by TKO, super welterweight bout

• Isaac Cruz def. Omar Salcido by unanimous decision, super lightweight bout, 10 rounds

• Brandon Figueroa def. Joet Gonzalez by unanimous decision, featherweight bout, 12 rounds

• Gary Russell Jr. def. Hugo Castaneda by TKO in 10th round, super featherweight

• Eumir Marcial def. Bernard Joseph by KO in third round, middleweight

• David Picasso def. Kyonosuke Kameda by majority decision, super bantamweight

• Mark Magsayo def. Jorge Mata by unanimous decision, lightweight bout

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios ring walks

Mario Barrios is making his way to the ring first, despite being the reigning WBC welterweight champion. The honor of walking in last goes to Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division champion in his 16th ringwalk at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Both men are in the ring and Manny plays his favorite song: "Eye of the Tiger."

- USA Today 

MANNY PACQUIAO VS. MARIO BARRIOS FIGHT CARD, ODDS & PREDICTIONS

(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

• Mario Barrios defends his WBC welterweight title against Manny Pacquiao on July 19 in Las Vegas.

• Pacquiao comes out of retirement for this fight inside the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

• Pacquiao is the +225 betting underdog, while Barrios is the -250 betting favorite.

Reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios will welcome the challenge of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, who will come out of retirement for this championship battle on July 19 inside the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Because he’s coming off a four-year hiatus and is already 46 years old, Pacquiao heads into the match as the considerable betting underdog with +225 boxing odds. On the other hand, Barrios, the defending world champion, is going to be the -250 betting favorite.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios Odds

Manny Pacquiao: +225

Mario Barrios: -250

Tie: +1600

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios: Prediction

I predict a unanimous decision win for Pacquiao against Barrios because the latter often crumbles under pressure during megafights and title showdowns, much like he did during his matches against Davis and Ramos.

Although Pacquiao is coming off a four-year layoff from professional boxing, he has maintained his shape by competing in various exhibition matches. Furthermore, “Pacman” has the wealth of experience he can use against his much younger opponent.

I expect Pacquiao to go all out in the first six rounds of the match because this is what he did against Thurman before, scoring an early knockdown. That knockdown became crucial in the judges’ scorecards, which helped him secure the split decision win.

As for Barrios, he should weather the early barrage from Pacquiao and turn it up in the tail end of the fight, where Pacquiao would be more vulnerable to counter punches and power shots. Additionally, he should fully utilize his height and reach advantages to keep the challenger at bay while landing his punches and combinations.

Manny Pacquiao’s Recent Fight Results

Pacquiao is the only eight-division boxing world champion in history, and he has left a lasting legacy due to this historic achievement. Aside from winning world titles across several weight classes, the Filipino icon also scored victories against other boxing royalty.

Included in Pacquiao’s hit list are Erick Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Ricky Hatton, Keith Thurman, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito, and Oscar De La Hoya. His supposed retirement fight against Yordenis Ugas in August 2021 ended in a unanimous decision defeat.

Mario Barrios’ Recent Fight Results

Barrios is one of the current titleholders in the welterweight division. He made his pro debut in November 2013 and slowly moved up in weight. His first major fight on the grandest stage was against Gervonta Davis in June 2021, but he suffered an 11th-round TKO loss.

Since that loss to Tank, he moved up to the welterweight division and won three of his five bouts, including the WBC interim welterweight title, which was later elevated to the regular champion status. His most recent outing was a disappointment, as his fight with Abel Ramos ended in a split draw.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios: Tale of the Tape

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios: Start Time

July 19, 11 p.m. E.T.

July 19, 10 p.m. C.T.

July 19, 9 p.m. M.T.

July 19, 8 p.m. P.T.

- ANATOLY PIMENTEL

MARIO BARRIOS FEELS ‘INSULTED’ 46-YEAR-OLD MANNY PACQUIAO PICKED HIM AS COMEBACK OPPONENT

LAS VEGAS — Mario Barrios has an enormous amount of respect for Manny Pacquiao.

Not only for what the Filipino legend accomplished during his incredible career, but for his willingness to fight a championship-caliber opponent at such an advanced age Saturday night. Barrios can’t help but take some offense, however, that Pacquiao, 46, picked him as the opponent coming back from a retirement that lasted almost four years.

“It’s an honor, but I’m a little insulted at the same time,” Barrios told The Ring. “Why did he want it so bad with me? I don’t know if it’s something him and his team saw from one of my fights, or what the reason is exactly. But it’s business.”

Pacquiao’s two other options if he wanted to fight for a welterweight title in his comeback bout were former Ring/IBF/WBA champ Jaron “Boots” Ennis and WBO champ Brian Norman. Ennis, 28, and Norman, 24, are younger, undefeated and considered harder punchers than Barrios, who turned 30 on May 18.

Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs), who is from San Antonio, Texas, is 16 years younger and six inches taller than Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs).

Barrios, however, showed some vulnerability in his last fight.

The WBC welterweight champion dropped Abel Ramos with a right hand in the second round and appeared well on his way to a convincing victory until the sixth of their fight on the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson undercard Nov. 15 in Arlington, Texas. That’s when Ramos sent Barrios to the canvas and the bout became very competitive.

Barrios admits he was hurt badly by Ramos’ right hand and needed time to clear his head. Judge Mike Ross still scored Barrios a 116-110 winner, but he settled for a split draw because judge Javier Alvarez had it 114-112 for Ramos (28-6-3, 22 KOs) and judge Douglas Robinson rendered the entertaining bout a draw, 113-113.

Barrios previously lost a one-sided unanimous decision to Keith Thurman in February 2022 in Las Vegas. Pacquiao edged Thurman by split decision in the last fight the eight-division champion won 2½ years earlier.

Almost six years to the day since he defeated Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs, 1 NC), Pacquiao will return to the same venue, MGM Grand Garden Arena, to battle Barrios.

DraftKings lists Barrios as almost a 3-1 favorite over Pacquiao, who hasn’t boxed since Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas (27-6, 12 KOs) upset him by unanimous decision in August 2021 in Las Vegas. Barrios nonetheless recognizes the magnitude of Pacquiao’s return to the ring.

“It’s super crazy, but it really puts it into perspective, the person and the fighter that Pacquiao is,” Barrios said. “He has taken care of his body over all these years. And still just being a champion at heart and just wanting to fight the best still at his age — as fighters, we’ll always have that mentality. But for him to be doing it at the age he is, it’s very admirable. I respect it. But he is fighting me for my title.”

The bout between Pacquiao and Barrios will headline a four-fight Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view show. Amazon’s Prime Video will distribute the event, but it is also available through all cable and satellite providers in the United States ($79.99).

- KEITH IDEC

MARIO BARRIOS VOES TO MAKE 46-YEAR OLD MANNY PACQUIAO REGRET COMEBACK

Pacquiao-Barrios Press Conference

Mario Barrios predicts that Pacquiao’s advanced age will cause him to tire the longer their fight goes on Saturday night. WBC welterweight champion Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) predicts that Pacquiao, 46, will ultimately “regret” having come out of retirement.

Barrios is ready to dominate the superstar Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) in their 12-round main event on Saturday, July 19th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Their fight is part of an event that will be shown on PBC on Prime Video PPV.

BARRIOS: PACQUIAO REGRET COMEBACK

“The longer the fight goes [the more Pacquiao will feel it]. My job is to go in there and make him feel like the old man. Make him regret coming out of retirement to face me,” said Mario Barrios to Fight Hub TV, talking about Manny Pacquiao.

Barrios makes a good point. Pacquiao will wear down the longer the fight goes because of his age and inactivity. He was already showing stamina problems in his last fight four years ago against Yordenis Ugas. It’ll be worse now. If this is really about Pacquiao trying to win a world title, he waited long enough to come out of retirement. He should have returned earlier to give himself a better chance.

Why Pacquiao Came Back

“Make him question, ‘Why did I come back for this?’ I give the favor to me as the rounds go on. Manny is known for being a fast starter,” said Barrios. “From the first bell, he’s coming out swinging. We know he’s dangerous at close quarters, and especially with his speed.”

Pacquiao says he’s not taking this fight for the money, but his reported purse of $12.6 million has got to play a factor in why he’s coming back. He may regret coming out of retirement, but the big purse he’s receiving will be a nice salve for his hurt feelings. Money-wise, Pacquiao has chosen a good time to come out of retirement, because fights are paying more now for the big-name fighters.

COUNTERING PACQUIAO’S SPEED

“The best way to counter speed is with timing, and I think I have that on my side, especially with my physical attributes over Manny. My job is to go in there and try to neutralize what he tries to do early on. Then dominate in any way I can,” said Barrios.

The 6’0″ Barrios will have a massive size advantage over the 5’5 1/2″ Pacquiao in this fight. Barrios’ height, reach, and youth advantage will make it tough for Manny to deal with in this fight. The last time Pacquiao fought someone of a similar height was when he faced Jessie Vargas in 2016.

- Sean Jones

TALE OF THE TAPE | MANNY "PACMAN" PACQUIAO VS MARIO "EL AZTECA" BARRIOS

 

ROY JONES JR DELIVERS HIS HONEST MANNY PACQUIAO VS MARIO BARRIOS VERDICT: "I'M BACKING HIM TO WIN"

Image credit: Matchroom / Ryan Hafey

Roy Jones Jr has weighed in on the upcoming showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios.

‘PacMan’ will make a controversial comeback to the sport when he challenges WBC world welterweight champion Barrios on Saturday July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The 46-year-old has been retired from boxing since he suffered defeat to former WBA world welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas, who beat the Filipino great via unanimous decision four years ago.

As the boxing world awaits the return of ‘PacMan’, many with concern, four-weight world champion Jones Jr has shared his thoughts on the 46-year-old’s comeback.

In an interview with Prime Casino, Jones said he was backing Pacquiao to get the job done against the younger and more active champion.

“The fact that Pacquiao can get in shape and go 12 rounds at 46 years old is beating most people right there. How many people can do that? There’s people that are 26 who can’t hardly go one round, and you’re doing it at 46, double their age. You got to take your hat off to Manny. I give Manny a chance, you always gotta give him a chance. I’m backing him.”

Should ‘PacMan’ be victorious in July, he would become the oldest world welterweight champion in boxing history, breaking the record he set himself when he defeated Keith Thurman to capture the WBA title back in 2019, which was his last victory in the professional ranks.

Barrios has held the belt since last year when he was upgraded from interim to full champion after Terence Crawford’s departure from the division. He kept hold of it with a split draw against Abel Ramos last time out.

- Toby Morgan

PACQUIAO VS. BARRIOS | FULL CARD